There are times when the only thing that will satisfy our hunger is a steaming hot bowl of something familiar. Whether it’s the aroma of something cooking on the stove or how certain flavors remind us of being at home, comfort food offers a soothing quality that few other things offer. So what is it specifically that comforts us through certain types of food?
Well, it turns out science says a great deal about this as well.
Young woman eating tortellini pasta in front of the food shop in Bologna. Tortellini ring-shaped pasta was invented in Bologna.
How Our Brains Respond to Food
What we refer to as “comfort food” is often less about taste and more about memories and emotions. When we consume something associated with positive past experiences or loved ones, the brain lights up in regions tied to reward and nostalgia. The limbic system, an area of the brain that controls and processes emotions, is active when consuming something reminiscent of childhood or family gatherings, and causes an increase in dopamine, the chemical responsible for feeling happy. Additionally, research has shown that people typically turn to comfort food during periods of loneliness and stress. It serves as an emotional substitute for social support. Research has demonstrated that individuals who have been induced to feel socially isolated were more likely to pursue foods that they have associated with meaningful relationships.
Physiology of Comfort
When we consider the physiological properties of comfort food, the majority of the time, the foods we associate with “comfort” are warm, high-carb foods. This is not random chance. Carbohydrates serve to increase serotonin levels in the brain, which results in an individual experiencing a sense of calm and satisfaction. Therefore, the sense of calm experienced from eating a warm, hearty serving of Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo, for example, is more than simply psychological; there exists actual chemistry supporting this phenomenon.
Incorporating familiar, satisfying meals periodically can support long-term health goals by reducing the likelihood of restrictive binge cycles. Food should nourish both body and spirit.
Self-Care That Goes Beyond Bubble Baths
The typical conversation around self-care includes spa days and silence. However, there is another, equally effective way to care for yourself; that is through cooking a meal with intention and eating it intentionally. Mindful eating connects you back to yourself. Simply preparing a dish that has been a favorite for years can create a meditative experience.
Cooking also offers many tangible joys. The experience of stirring, seasoning, and tasting is each a very fulfilling experience. The senses are involved when we cook. This engagement of multiple senses can help to ground us when we are experiencing a great deal of stress. The fact that you have control over what ingredients go into the comfort foods you prepare adds to the empowerment of preparing your own comfort foods.
Healing Through Rituals
The power of comfort foods is amplified when associated with a personal ritual. For example, perhaps Sunday evening is pasta night. Or perhaps, on rainy days, you prepare grilled cheese sandwiches. As you continue to develop and participate in these rituals, they will eventually become an anchor.
So, if your version of healing involves cream, garlic, and a swirl of noodles, lean into it. There’s no shame in seeking solace in food, especially when it tastes this good.
Science supports what we already know in our bones: comfort food feeds more than hunger. It feeds connection, memory, and well-being. That kind of nourishment is worth holding onto.
Try to find a way to incorporate comfort food as a part of your diet in a way that is comforting and intentional.
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