We have all heard the term “Comfort Foods” but the exact type of food that fits this definition is dependent on the individual. However, there are certain commonalities to the concept of “Comfort Foods”:
- Nostalgia & Memory: Comfort foods often remind us of happy times with family, childhood, or home cooking, creating a nostalgic link to feeling safe and supported.
- Emotional Regulation: We turn to them for stress relief, celebration, or to manage difficult emotions, as they offer a psychological boost.
- Physiological Effects: Many comfort foods are high in sugar and carbs, which can temporarily improve mood by boosting serotonin.
- Familiarity & Simplicity: They’re usually simple, traditional dishes with rich flavors and textures (like macaroni and cheese or stews) that feel predictable and nurturing.
- Psychological Safety: Eating these familiar meals signals to the brain that it’s a safe, secure space, providing a coping mechanism against life’s chaos.
Here are some examples of foods that most people would consider “Comfort Foods”:
- Savory & Hearty: Mac & Cheese, Chicken Pot Pie, Shepherd’s Pie, Meatloaf, Stews, Fried Chicken, Pot Roast, Chili, Casseroles, Fish & Chips, Spaghetti.
- Soups: Chicken Noodle, Tomato, French Onion, Pea & Ham.
- Carbs & Starches: Mashed Potatoes (with gravy), French Fries, Pizza, Grilled Cheese, Baked Ziti, Buttered Noodles, Bread.
- Sweets: Chocolate Chip Cookies, Brownies, Ice Cream, Puddings, Pancakes, Donuts
Clearly, most/all of these “Comfort Foods” are antithetical to a prudent weight control strategy. These foods will tend to pack the pounds on.
Let’s flip the discussion to weight-related co-morbidities such as diabetes (and it’s complications), cancer, heart disease, chronic pain, etc: How “comforting” are these conditions? On the contrary, dealing with these issues are incredibly Uncomfortable and diminish the quality and quantity of life. Being robbed of healthy time with your loved ones is excruciatingly UN comfortable.
So, when you are considering indulging in “Comfort Foods” please remember that lots of UNCOMFORT may await you in the future due to these wolves in sheep clothing.
And here is a tune that brings “Comfort” to many people across generations.
