Stress has become an unavoidable part of our lives. In truth, be it a demanding job, financial pressures or personal challenges, stress has the power to drive us. Stress has the power to drive us to that one thing we are sure will get us rid of it, Food! But, from a psychological perspective, we will call it stress eating and comfort food saves us in these times from stress.

Stress eating involves consuming foods that have high calorie, indulgent comfort foods during moments of emotional distress. For instance, most Indian comfort foods include crispy foods or sweets. However, have you ever wondered why we crave for these foods when we are in stress? Also, how is Stress Eating and Comfort Food related? How to manage the stress? 

What is stress eating?

Another name we know for Stress eating is emotional eating. It happens when a person in stress used food as a way to copy with the negative emotions that they are feeling. In particular, stress. Therefore, here, instead of eating to reduce hunger, one eats to seek comfort. That is the true relation between Stress Eating and Comfort Food.  

In most cases, these comfort foods are quite unhealthy. These foods are sugary, and high in calorie. They give a temporary satisfy to the eaters but in the long term, leads to health issues. For instance, these issues can range from weight gain to diabetes and even to a heart attack.

The Science Behind Stress Eating and Comfort Food Cravings

When stressed, the body enters into fight-or-flight mode. Therefore, the body releases cortisol. In detail, cortisol is the body’s stress hormone. So, with excess of cortisol in the body, we feel more of stress.

Additionally, cortisol increases one’s cravings for fatty, sugary and salty foods. These foods are high energy foods which provide a quick burst of energy. In addition, they also give a feel of pleasure, which for the moment releases stress.

The Indian Picture

In India, a lot of our favorite dishes easily pass off in the criteria of comfort foods. For example, foods like biryani, jalebi’s, pakora’s are comforting. The provide a sense of warmth and nostalgia about good old times. These foods release in our body a hormone called as dopamine. Dopamine, is a common “feel good” hormone in our body. Therefore, it gives relief from stress.

However, indulging in comfort foods again and again can create a vicious cycle. After the initial “high” from the eating, usually regret sets in. Further, this creates more stress and therefore more eating.

Common Comfort Food in India

For us Indian, stress eating is all about eating foods high in fats, sugar or carbohydrates.

Some of our favorites include:

• Samosas

• Chocolates

• Pakoras and Bhajiyas

• Chai and Biscuits

• Ghee Laden Ladoos and even parathas with ghee, halwa and many other sweets.

Effects of Stress Eating

Eating comfort foods once or twice may do no harm, but it could get dangerous when one usually eats them often and it becomes a pattern. Moreover, eating comfort foods, can lead to these long-term health concerns:

1. Weight Gain- the rich calories and poor nutritional value of comfort foods lead to gain in weight.

2. Risk of Chronic Diseases- High-fat, sugary and processed foods contribute to inflammation in the body. Thus, increases the risk of conditions like diabetes, heart disease and hypertension.

3. Emotional Consequences- Stress eating eventually leads to guilt or share. Therefore, this worsens the emotional wellbeing of the people and increases stress.

How to Manage Stress?

While experiencing stress has become a common thing these days, coping is still something that people struggle with. Nevertheless, here are some common healthy practices to deal with stress:

• Practice Mindful Eating

• Opt for Healthier Alternatives

• Incorporate Stress- Relieving Activities

• Stay Hydrated

• Plan your meals

• Seek professional help

Join Aapli Psych in knowing more about nutrition, mental health and yourself. 

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References

1. American Psychological Association (APA). (2019). "Stress and Eating: Emotional and Mindless Eating." Retrieved from APA.

2. Harvard Health Publishing. (2020). "The Impact of Stress on Eating Behaviors." Retrieved from Harvard Health.

3. National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). (2021). "Stress and Your Health: Coping with Stress Eating." Retrieved from NIMH.

4. Mayo Clinic. (2021). "Understanding Emotional Eating." Retrieved from Mayo Clinic.

5. Journal of Health Psychology. (2018). "The Psychology Behind Comfort Food Cravings." Retrieved from PubMed.