Comfort Eating and coping with stress

Stress. Too much and we find it difficult to function. But it is highly unlikely any person can live without some level of stress. Work, school, finals, relationships, and holidays all cause one’s stress levels to rise even though some of the stressors are exciting and fun. Layer on top of that the last couple of years of the dark cloud of Covid-19 throwing lives out of whack. 

One common reaction to stress is seeking out comfort foods. Comfort foods is a term first coined by the Palm Beach Post in 1966. They are as unique as the individual or may apply to a specific culture. They often provide a connection to an experience or to our childhood that makes us feel secure. We may associate chicken soup with times when we needed a little TLC. Mashed potatoes might remind us of the family gathering for Thanksgiving.  According to Monique Dorsey, a registered dietician with UT Physicians, times of stress disrupt one’s body equilibrium. The body, always working to fix itself, reacts by producing physiological responses such as abnormal eating behavior and increased caloric intake.

Comfort foods are typically high in fat and/or sugar, calorie-dense, and have low nutrition value. Consuming these delicious comforts triggers an emotional response that, although temporary, brings one a sense of stress relief. So, are consuming comfort foods bad? It depends. Denying oneself to indulge can add weight to the already heavy stress load. Too much comfort food can lead to health issues such as obesity and heart problems. In addition, overconsumption could be a clue that one’s emotional tank is full and needs to be dealt with.

Like most things, moderation is key. Best to choose healthy snacks when you can so that when your body craves one of the many delicious comfort foods, you can enjoy it fully and not be riddled with guilt. For guilt is a nasty stressor in itself. Looking for some ideas to satisfy without the guilt? Here are a few to try:

1. Carrots with dip

2. Sliced apples or celery with peanut butter

3. Lightly buttered popcorn, or sprinkled with cinnamon, or drizzled with chocolate

4. Graham cracker sandwich with peanut butter topped with apple slices

5. Homemade trail mix with pretzels, popcorn, cereal, chocolate chunks, dried fruit