Comfort in a Dish
Comfort food. Simply hearing those two words is enough to bring about knowing smiles and warm, fuzzy feelings as happy memories come to mind. Food—with its multi-sensory components of sight, smell, feel and taste, along with a lifetime of associated memories—is a powerful mechanism we use daily to make ourselves feel good. Add in the fact that food affects our energy levels, mood and overall health, and it’s clear to see why food choices have such an influence on our feelings.
How comfort food cravings develop
Our preferences are always at play when it comes to food, seeking tastes we enjoy and avoiding those we don’t. At its core, food choice is an evolutionary survival tool built into our DNA: seek pleasure, avoid pain. Once we’ve ruled out foods that truly don’t agree with us, the selection process is highly personalized and often influenced by our history and pleasant memories of childhood.
Preparing and serving food is often an act of love, so when a child comes inside from playing in the snow to find a warm bowl of soup and a grilled cheese sandwich, or some freshly baked chocolate chip cookies after walking home from school on a blustery day, the welcoming and warming food is more than functional fuel: it’s a symbol of care and love. These types of associations of feeling cared for and having hunger satiated—along with the tastes, textures and smell of the food itself—all create an imprint on the brain. Returning to this state of contentment again and again is as easy as preparing and enjoying the same foods we grew to love.
Comfort foods to soothe stress
In times of stress, we naturally seek ways to self-soothe. Turning to foods we crave can be a healthier option than other more addictive habits with detrimental effects—though of course, moderation is key. Typically the foods we seek for comfort are somewhat hearty and healthy—not like the empty calories in candy, for example. Comfort foods are often warm, wholesome and rich in carbohydrates, such as mashed potatoes or macaroni and cheese. These foods not only keep us satiated for longer, they trigger the release of feel-good chemicals in our brains, like serotonin. This chemical response elevates our mood, providing a sense of comfort and creating a positive feedback loop, making us naturally gravitate toward these foods when faced with stressful or challenging circumstances.
Seasonal influences
The call to seek comfort from food is emphasized in fall and winter when the discomfort of shivering in the cold and enduring long stretches of nothing but rain and grey skies starts to take a toll. We instinctively yearn for hearty, soul-soothing dishes to pick up our spirits. Whether it’s a savoury bowl of stew, a casserole loaded with cheese or a loaf of bread fresh from the oven, the warmth seems to offer a comforting embrace. The outlier to this formula is ice cream—that sweet and creamy companion in good times and bad. Perhaps the common denominator is food that has a higher fat content.
Fat, carbohydrates and regional delicacies
In fact, regardless of personal preferences, and whether you lean toward savoury or sweet when it comes to comfort foods, fat is nearly always present. As the food industry and any cook knows, it makes food taste better. And increased fat content in our food also keeps us full longer and can sustain us during times of food scarcity. It’s a nod back to evolutionary survival mechanisms and also seems timely with food prices increasing and supply issues becoming more frequent. Could it be that our subconscious instincts for self-preservation are part of what drives us to crave calorie-dense, higher-fat foods?
The comfort food formula seems to be made of carbohydrates, fat and an intangible collection of positive associations—sometimes nostalgic, often regional, and highly personalized. Each culture has its own repertoire of comforting dishes, passed down through generations, that warm the heart and soothe the soul. For example, in Italy, a bowl of fresh pasta topped with a slowly simmered sauce and fresh Parmigiano Reggiano offers a satisfying carb boost along with a delicious combination of garden-fresh flavours. In India, fragrant bowls of dal, a rich lentil stew made with coconut milk and a medley of spices, are known to warm both body and spirit. And the allure of a fresh-from-the-oven warm and buttery Parisian croissant on a chilly morning is practically irresistible.
The benefits of comfort foods
The act of indulging in comfort foods is a form of self-care, a momentary escape from the pressures of our fast-paced lives. It's a time to slow down, savour every bite, and let the flavours and aromas connect us to cherished memories of family gatherings, holiday celebrations or any special moments that we recall as safe and comforting.
More often than not, comfort foods are nourishing and provide us with needed sustenance. Besides, food isn’t just about nutrition—the satisfaction derived from indulging in comfort foods can have a positive impact on our overall well-being. Feeling emotionally content and fulfilled through our meals can reduce stress and anxiety, promoting a healthier mental state.
So let’s enjoy the hedonistic, multi-faceted delights of comfort foods. Whether your go-to is sweet, savoury, crunchy, smooth, hot and spicy or cold and creamy, the process of anticipating, preparing and enjoying our favourite foods is a simple and satisfying path to happiness that’s accessible to us all.
