CNN Central News & Networks / ITDC India ePress / ITDC News /Agencies/ Bhopal: CNN Central News & Networks / ITDC India ePress / ITDC News / Agencies, Bhopal: When people are stressed, sad or in a bad mood, a sudden urge to eat chocolate, pizza, ice cream and chips is common. This habit is called “comfort eating”. In this, a person starts eating their favourite food despite not being hungry, either to feel better or to divert attention from stress. Behind this are not only taste, but also the brain’s emotional memories and reward system.
A study conducted in Britain on 1,203 people found that merely imagining eating certain foods made people expect to feel better. In the study, foods such as chocolate, cake and strawberries were linked with positive emotions. According to the research, sometimes the expectation of happiness from these items itself increases cravings. The study was published in the British Journal of Nutrition.
How does the brain link food with happiness? According to experts, tasty foods such as chocolate and pizza can activate the brain’s reward system. Their consumption increases the activity of neurotransmitters such as dopamine, which is associated with the feeling of pleasure and reward. If chocolate or sweets have been associated since childhood with happiness, reward or comfort, the brain may demand the same foods during stress.
Repeated comfort eating can cause harm. In the research, 54 percent of participants said they eat more than usual during stress. However, it is not necessary that every person starts eating more under stress. Continuously eating foods high in sugar, salt and fat can increase the risk of weight gain and metabolic problems.
Ways to control cravings include first understanding whether you are actually hungry or feel like eating something because of stress. Decide the quantity of food in advance, choose nutritious options such as fruits, nuts and curd, and try to reduce stress through regular exercise, adequate sleep and meditation. If needed, seek expert help for the habit of emotional eating.
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