Comfort Food Section I We all have foods we love, and most people can even choose one dish or meal as their favorite, but what is it about food that makes us enjoy it so much? Is it the taste or the texture, or is it something more complicated than that? Food can have a more striking effect on us than just filling our stomachs; it can actually impact how we feel. Section II The term “comfort food” was first used in the 1970s to describe food that was traditionally made, and which made the person eating it nostalgic for an earlier time, especially for happy childhood memories. Someone who enjoyed homemade chicken soup as a child would most likely consider this a comfort food as an adult. Feelings of being looked after, of eating good and healthy food, as well as experiencing a feeling of satisfaction, are all ideas related to “comfort food”. This is why on cold winter nights, people choose foods that make them feel cozy and contented, for example hot broths, casseroles and rice or pasta dishes like macaroni and cheese. Section III In recent years, however, the term “comfort food” has become more and more synonymous with “junk food”. Burgers, fries, chips and ice-cream are amongst some of the favorite foods chosen by people who seek comfort in the food they eat. Despite being high in fat and calories, these are popular food choices for people all around the world. But how did the nutritious meals of our childhoods become substituted by fried and sugar-rich foods? Section IV Eating to feel good has been replaced by eating to feel better, and people often opt for junk, comfort food following a bad day or an unpleasant experience. Eating because we’re in a bad mood, to make us feel less stressed or just because we feel like eating “something bad for us” are some of the reasons people choose fatty alternatives to nutritious food. But this choice of food can make us feel low in energy, sluggish and unable (or unwilling) to do exercise. Naturally, this leads to poor health, a lack of fitness and dramatic weight gain. Ironically, the positive, comforting effects of eating these kinds of foods are canceled out when people feel guilty as a result of eating foods with a high fat content and low nutritional value. Section V What many people forget about is those foods that actually make us feel good – not those foods that comfort, but those that heighten our energy levels, make us alert and quick to react, those that keep our teeth and bones healthy, our skin and hair in good condition and those that maintain a good all-round level of health. A diet rich in fresh fruit, lean meat, salads and vegetables can have a dramatic effect on how we feel both physically and emotionally, without the guilt. Section VI Comfort food, in its traditional sense, makes us feel good. But with the switch from nutritious meals to fast, fatty foods, it’s no wonder that the population is seeing a rise in obesity in children and adults. We need to rethink the way we see food and how we use it to feel good. Making that kind of change will enable us to gain a new perspective on public health. We also need to get back in touch with the balanced, nutritious and comforting food of the past. Only then will we regain control over our diet.