While I often enjoy food, I rarely find myself craving specific items. Generally, I lean towards savory over sweet, gravitating towards protein-heavy options like cheese, meats, eggs, or nuts. Sure, I can devour a few slices of pizza or polish off a batch of brownies when the mood strikes, but my dietary patterns are usually quite predictable.
This predictability stems from my routine—thanks to my obsessive tendencies—and from being attuned to what makes my body feel good versus what doesn’t. I’ve learned that excessive sugar and simple carbs leave me with headaches, sluggishness, and irritability. However, lately, my usual snack choices have lost their appeal, and I find myself consuming more chocolate and enriched breads than ever before. I’ve always tried to listen to my body, but my current eating habits are far from normal. If you’re experiencing the same, don’t be too hard on yourself; our cravings are rooted in science. If you find yourself drawn to comfort foods now more than ever, you are certainly not alone.
Currently, I’m indulging in all sorts of treats—cake is my go-to since I recently celebrated a birthday, and I can’t bear the thought of letting that chocolate cake last into next week. Cheez-Its, Nutella, chips, and sugary cereals are all on my menu. While these foods aren’t inherently bad, they are far from what I normally consume, and I’m eating them in quantities that exceed my usual intake.
Initially, I felt frustrated by this shift. The heart—and stomach—want what they want, yet I found myself criticizing my eating habits, which some might label as unhealthy. Influences from diet culture and incessant weight loss ads during this pandemic have made me feel guilty about not adhering to a “clean” diet. I felt unbalanced and out of control. Even though I craved the sugar, it often left me feeling unwell. What was I doing to myself?
Like many, I’m navigating the challenges of unemployment, remote learning for my kids, and the omnipresent threat of a virus. So, I took a moment to reflect and reminded myself that the forces at play are overwhelming and that I need to practice self-compassion. It’s not just about satisfying my cravings; my brain is responding to stress.
We are in the midst of a pandemic, and the chemicals in our brains are urging us to seek out comfort. Stress has a peculiar effect on our appetite. In high-pressure situations, such as a presentation or exam, we might lose our appetite due to adrenaline. However, prolonged stress—like what we’re experiencing now—triggers cortisol release, which increases our hunger and cravings. But during these times, we’re unlikely to crave a healthy snack; instead, we reach for sugary treats like cookies, cake, or even a half jar of Nutella (yes, I’m stressed!).
These comfort foods promote dopamine release in our brains, the so-called “happy hormone” we’re all longing for right now. Dopamine encourages us to seek out pleasurable experiences, whether it’s through music, exercise, or indulging in our favorite foods. While I’m not implying that your desire for warm, buttery bread or freshly baked cookies is rooted in addiction, it’s worth noting that if you’re predisposed to addictive behaviors, this is a factor to consider. For those grappling with the pandemic’s mental health impacts and feeling like their coping mechanisms are spiraling out of control, it’s crucial to reach out for support.
Moreover, stress disrupts our sleep patterns. With inadequate sleep, the hormone ghrelin increases and leptin decreases, which can heighten our hunger levels. Additionally, sleep deprivation raises a lipid called endocannabinoid in the bloodstream, which can make eating more pleasurable, particularly at night. This is when we find ourselves reaching for the ice cream instead of a nutritious snack.
It’s perfectly acceptable to allow our craving for comfort food to take the forefront without succumbing to the pressures of diet culture or societal norms. We are amidst an unprecedented mental health crisis, and the last thing we need is to compound our stress by punishing ourselves for our food choices. It’s important to prioritize what makes you feel good. If food isn’t providing relief, consider other sources of joy, such as exercise, meditation, sleep, music, or laughter.
We are living in tumultuous times, and if your eating habits feel “off” but bring you comfort, then that’s okay. We all need as much relief as we can find these days. For more insights on navigating these challenges, check out this thoughtful post.
Summary
In the face of unprecedented stress, many people find themselves gravitating toward comfort foods they usually wouldn’t consume. This behavior is backed by science, as stress affects our appetite and cravings, making us seek sugary and indulgent treats. It’s vital to approach our eating habits with kindness and understanding, recognizing our need for comfort during these trying times.
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