Thanksgiving is around the corner, which means mashed potatoes, buttered rolls, and pumpkin pies. Classic comfort foods like these can make mouths water, but they can also serve a more basic purpose.
A study conducted by dietitians at a weight-related counseling center called Nutricise revealed many Americans may be turning to food to help cope with the events of the past eight weeks. These include not only the events of Sept. 11, but also the economic downswing, the war in Afghanistan and threats of bioterrorism.
During times of stress, good intentions and self-control are often discarded in favor of the sense of security food can provide.
After analyzing the eating patterns of Nutricise’s 3,500 clients over the last eight weeks, 80 percent had a 25 percent increase in high-calorie and high-fat foods in their diets.
Food is often associated with fond memories and has a nurturing effect when people are trying to cope with difficult life events.
When looking at the big picture, Nutricise founder Charles Platkin said many people feel health and diet seem trivial and often ignore their bodily needs because they are perceived to be less important.
“Someone might say, ‘So what’s the big deal?'” Platkin said. “The big deal is that it’s so critical that when you lose control of your external environment to be able to maintain a high level of internal control.”
Besides psychological reasons for eating when stressed, there are several biological reasons.
When the body experiences stress it releases a hormone called cortisol, which creates a feeling of hunger.
Furthermore, after eating high-calorie and high-carbohydrate foods, the brain releases chemicals in the brain that produce feelings of calm and happiness.
All chemicals involved reinforce the connection between food, stress and feeling better.
The bio-psychosocial aspects of comfort foods allow them to be an effective coping mechanism, but there are other, healthier ways to handle stress.
Robert McGrath, director of Counseling and Consultation Services at University Health Services, said slow deep breathing can help cut the urge for food, and exercise can help rid the body of stress by-products and release endorphins.
It is important to analyze where the cravings are coming from so you do not overindulge and add new stressors to your life like weight gain, McGrath said.
“It can be really hard to separate the trigger, but that’s essential,” he said. “You have to identify, are you really hungry or just stressed?”
McGrath cautioned against over-exercising and dieting in an effort to gain control, because when taken to extremes, they can lead to serious health problems like eating disorders.
It is not realistic to stay away from all comfort foods, so dietitians suggest lower fat and calorie alternatives, such as trying a baked apple instead of an apple pie, or a potato with fat-free sour cream rather than with butter.
“You need to be aware of what you’re eating and be conscious of it and to indulge mindfully as opposed to overindulge,” Platkin said.
