Food for comfort

Heather Little-White, PhD, Contributor

Very often, people feel so depressed that they turn to food for comfort, giving rise to the creation of the term 'comfort food'. Comfort foods are everyday foods eaten lavishly out of the desire to soothe emotions, relax, quell anger or overcome loneliness, boredom, sadness or stress.

Some people wonder about their growing waistlines without attributing the expansion in girth to the foods that they eat to calm their emotions. Social surrogates including foods, make people feel like they belong. It is common for a lonely person to try to counteract that feeling by eating those foods excessively (usually with a high caloric count) that could be risky for their arteries. Examples are fried chicken, ice cream, macaroni and cheese and chocolates.

Watching television

Eating the foods that you love is not necessarily due to hunger, but as a way of easing emotions. One should learn to differentiate between physical hunger and emotionally driven forms of hunger. Watching television is an escape channel for easing emotions associated with loneliness and stages of depression. However, it is almost natural to follow through with snacking while watching television. Snacks selected are usually high in calories and low in nutritional value. Instead of nibbling, engaging in physical activity helps to resolve your moods. Physical activities include taking a brisk walk, riding a bicycle or playing a game like football or tennis.

Community service

Any form of diversion from watching television is an excellent alternative to boredom, loneliness and stress. Make a list of other activities in which you can participate. For example, you can participate in community sports, or some hobby or reading a good book. It also helps to volunteer your time at a children's home or place for senior citizens. This provides a sense of fulfilment allowing you to focus less on your distress. Place the list on the door of your refrigerator, and when you are tempted to reach for food pick one of the activities on the list. A change of scenery can also relieve those negative emotions you may be experiencing.

Family time

People who thrive on seeking comfort from food may find that it eases emotions if meals are eaten in a setting with family and friends. This activity rescues the person from loneliness and calms other negative emotions. The notion that 'chicken soup is good for the soul' has become known as a comfort food when suffering from influenza, and is said to be even more enjoyable when lovingly prepared by grandma, mother or spouse.

Fruits and vegetables

Another simple solution to prevent you from relying on comfort food is to place chips, candy and other high-calorie foods out of sight. It is better to display fruits on the table and eat more raw vegetables. At present, mangoes, otaheite apples, naseberries and oranges are in season.

If you are someone who takes comfort from food, eating and snacking outside your regular meal times, you should look at your spread of calories throughout the day and make lifestyle changes that will include physical activities, family mealtime and a diversity of social activities.

Comforting Macaroni and Cheese

2 cups macaroni elbows or spirals

2 tbs margarine

2 tbs flour

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 tsp pepper

2 cups mild cheddar cheese, shredded

Method

1. Cook macaroni according to the directions on the package and drain.

2. In a medium saucepan, melt butter and stir in flour, salt and pepper without lumping.

3. Gradually add milk and cook until thickened, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon. Remove from heat.

4. For a smooth cheese sauce, remove the sauce mixture from the heat, stir in 11/2 cups shredded cheese until completely melted. Then add the macaroni to the cheese sauce and pour it into a casserole dish. Top with remaining cheese.

5. Bake at 350 degrees F for 30 minutes or until bubbly and cheese is golden brown.

Serves 6