In my work as a psychologist and career counselor, I've been lucky to meet folks from all walks of life. Recently, a client shared something quite interesting. They noticed that when they were feeling low due to depression, their food cravings changed. Instead of regular meals like dal and chapati, they started longing for comfort foods like parathas with aloo tikki, matra-kulcha, dosa, and kadhi. This got me thinking about the connection between our moods, stress, and what we eat.
Client's Experience: Food as a Mood Lifter
My client's experience isn't unusual. Many of us turn to specific foods when we're feeling stressed or down. But why? Well, it turns out there's some science behind it.

The Science of Comfort Food
Our brains and emotions have a close relationship with the foods we choose. When we're stressed or sad, our brain craves certain things to boost our mood:
Serotonin: This is a chemical in our brain that makes us feel good. Interestingly, a lot of it is made in our stomachs. So when we eat, especially foods we love, we can get a little serotonin boost.
Dopamine: This is like our brain's reward system. When we eat something delicious or comforting, our brain releases dopamine, which makes us feel happy.
Why We Turn to Comfort Foods
So why do we turn to comfort foods like pizza, ice cream, or mom's special recipe when we're feeling down? It's because they often contain ingredients that trigger these "happy chemicals" in our brain. They can give us a quick mood lift, even if it's just temporary.
Balance Is Key
While comfort foods can make us feel better in the short term, it's important to strike a balance. Relying too much on these foods can lead to unhealthy eating habits and other issues.
A balanced diet with lots of fruits, veggies, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats is still the best recipe for our overall well-being, both mentally and physically.
As people who care about our mental health, let's be mindful of our emotional eating habits and help others be mindful too. By understanding this connection, we can make better choices and find healthier ways to cope with stress and difficult emotions.
So, next time you reach for that bowl of mac 'n' cheese when you're feeling blue, know that you're not alone. We're all in this together, learning how to nourish both our bodies and our souls. 🍕🍎😊