What would you eat when you are down or when you are ecstatic? I’m sure you’ll be eating something familiar on either occasion. Trying out something new is left for the time when you are in a mood to get adventurous. But when it comes to emotional eating, you crave for food that is associated with your pleasant memories.
It’s a misconception that people eat calorie rich, fat laden foods like ice-creams, chocolates or brownies when they are down. You will be surprised to know that it’s quite the opposite.
Researchers at the Cornell Food and Brand Lab asked over 1,000 people what their favorite comfort food was, they came out with surprising answers. People chose healthy foods like pasta, soups and casseroles over desserts and chips as they associated those foods with the positive memories in their life.
So, when you are ordering your favorite soup or a pizza, you are probably remembering your grand-dad who took you out for the treat whenever you were down or you go back years when you had that pizza on your first date.:)
When do people tuck-in comfort foods?
Over 86% of the people said they seek comfort foods when they were feeling upbeat, 74% preferred it when they felt like rewarding themselves, and 39% said they would go in for it when they felt depressed or lonely.
People go in for comfort foods as it gives them a soothing feeling, gives them an instant euphoria-the same feeling that one gets when they are given a hug from a loved one.
Do moods determine the type of comfort food?
Fortunately or unfortunately, this is true. People who are happy preferred healthier foods like soups, pizza or steak while those who were in their blues picked sugary, fatty foods such as chips, ice cream or cookies. This is because, it is known that fatty or sugary foods release ‘feel good’ chemicals in the brain and thereby gives them the emotional high.
Have your cake and eat it too! Well, indulging in comfort foods sure makes life better and enjoyable. The key lies in indulging in these foods in eating just the right amount enough to satisfy your cravings so that you don’t feel guilty and go blue again!
