Udita Madan
When you experience stressful moments, or times that spell turmoil, when no one understands what you're going through and you just want to give up on yourself. Whom do you turn to?
Why, food of course! Everyone has their kind of comfort food. Food that consoles them, makes them comfortable with the situation they are facing and at the same time, helps them cope with it.
Yes. It's true and it's old news that people resort to emotional eating in times of distress.
Whether you're happy, sad, angry, upset, frustrated, even indifferent – there is a special food for all occasions, irrespective of the health factor.
For some people, ice cream is their go-to food, while some find solace in fast food like burgers and pizza's.
Comfort foods are those that people want to revel in as it gives them a homely nostalgic satisfaction.
Today, we point out some of the most popular comfort foods, along with telling you about the way they work at the chemical or energy level in your body.
You probably may not have bargained to be faced with these facts when indulging in your favourite foods all these years.
1. Potatoes:
Potatoes are the staple diet of most countries in Europe and North America as well as most parts of India. While indulging in comfort foods, people tend to forget the calories they are consuming or about to consume. A 150 gram average serving of potato contains 23 grams of carbohydrates. The healthiest way to have potatoes is to have it baked, boiled or mashed, along with some chutney for taste.
2. Chocolates:
Chocolate is a food for celebration across the world. Happy, sad or angry, one can never say no to chocolate. A lot of this has got to do with the alluring package in which it is presented, not to forget the ads that go amok in extensively promoting its greatness. The fact is that it is one of the most addictive food items containing sugar, cocoa and dairy combined. The fat content of low fat chocolate is between 10 and 15 percent, while that of carbohydrate is 45 and 60 percent. High fat variety has the same carb-content but fat is up to 25 percent.
3. Bread:
You probably feel completely at ease when you sink your teeth into that toasty, or took a bite of the chapati. But do consider this. Wheat actually contains an addictive substance called opioid. Ever felt a bit sleepy or simply undesirable to work after having your fill of toast, sandwich, roti-subji, pasta or pizza? That is the addiction talking!
4. Cheese:
The creamy texture and warm taste of cheese is often difficult to withdraw from the diet of many people despite its numerous ill-effects on health. It is a dense and sluggishness inducing food item that must be taken in particular moderation for maintaining a healthy balance. You should disregard high fat cheese as an avoidable option, and consider more of medium-fat or low fat cheese.
5. What you must change:
There is nothing wrong in enjoying your comfort food but that has to be done with due consideration of the health properties. So, eat whole wheat bread instead of white bread, or baked, boiled and/or mashed potatoes or a potato salad instead of French fries. In the same way, unpasteurized milk is less addictive than the pasteurized variety.
Make yourself comfortable!
