The path to zen through the stomach: what “comfort” food is and how it can help you

The path to zen through the stomach: what ‘comfort’ food is and how it can help you

What is

It’s not always fast food. For some, even a diet salad can be “comfort”.

A “comfort” food is said to be one that makes you feel nostalgic. As a rule, this food is characterized by high calories, high carbohydrate content and uncomplicated cooking process. And it will be different for each person: it can be associated with pleasant emotions and memories or belong to a certain culture. Nutritionist Anna Garnova tells us more about what comfort food is and what it is for .

What does comfort food mean?

Often we use “comfort” food to comfort ourselves or cheer ourselves up. It is usually high in sugar and simple carbohydrates. It’s not uncommon to associate it with foods from childhood (e.g., grandma baking cinnamon rolls). And some dishes take on additional meaning in popular culture. Pizza as a symbol of unity from “Friends” or a jar of ice cream after breaking up with a boyfriend, as in “Bridget Jones’s Diary.”

As a rule, “comfort” food is turned to when there is an urgent need to lift the mood. So, many people have this need during self-isolation.

How does it affect the body?

Food does indeed quickly increase the level of joy hormones in the body. And there is nothing wrong with treating yourself once in a while. Problems arise when people don’t know any other way to self-regulate other than to binge on “comfort” but often unhealthy foods. This can cause compulsive overeating in the future and psychological problems. As well as skin problems, gastrointestinal problems, unhealthy cholesterol and insulin levels, etc. In general, the problem with “comfort” food is the amount of it.

Is it possible to make “comfort” food healthier?

It’s actually not that easy to trick your body. If you want ice cream, but instead drink yogurt with berries, you will not “believe” yourself. You’ll probably eat the same ice cream later, only with a whole jar.

If you still want to eat “comfort” food often, you should consider practicing mindfulness or rethinking your diet. It’s likely that you don’t eat enough at breakfast, lunch, or dinner, so your body demands its own.

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