In the article The Science of Why You Crave Comfort Food, the author shares insights about the root causes of food craving, a common phenomenon that is probably familiar to most people. The author begins by stating that some foods taste good and some smells may seem particularly attractive because they are associated with positive emotions and pleasant memories. To support and strengthen this claim, the author refers to scientific findings that indicate a connection between preferences in comfort food types and the meaning of specific foods for each individual. The author notes that comfort foods have this soothing effect because they remind people of social connections and family ties. Thus, in moments fraught with stress, frustration, and loneliness, people tend to be drawn to certain foods. I found this article interesting because I could relate to the information shared in it.
In particular, I could think of a certain kind of food that serves to stimulate pleasant feelings of comfort and calm security for me, personally. Evaluating my connection with this kind of food, I delved deeper into my memories attempting to find what this nutriment represents in terms of emotions and thoughts. Interestingly, this particular food used to be a regular order of mine at restaurants and cafes, whenever I would meet with my dear friend from whom I am now, unfortunately, separated. As a result, I was pleasantly surprised by the unexpected opportunity for self-analysis this article provided. It was especially valuable because I had recently thought about my relationship with this particular food that I had regarded as an “addiction” since I had noticed I have had a tendency to order it whenever feeling stressed or upset. Oddly enough, I seem to have lost my fondness for this food, and I no longer find it pleasing in terms of taste, but I am still emotionally drawn to it as a source of comfort.