I enjoy food, but I rarely find myself craving specific items. Generally, I lean towards savory flavors rather than sweet ones, and my preferred choices are often protein-rich—think cheese, meats, eggs, or nuts. While I can indulge in several slices of pizza or devour a whole batch of brownies if the mood strikes, I’ve developed a good understanding of my body and its needs, making my eating patterns quite predictable.
This predictability stems partly from routine—thanks to my OCD—and partly from learning which foods energize me and which leave me feeling sluggish. Too much sugar or simple carbs tends to give me headaches and irritability. Recently, however, that pattern seems to have unraveled. My usual snacks don’t satisfy, and I’m consuming far more chocolate and enriched bread than I’m accustomed to. While I’ve always tried to listen to my body, my current eating habits are anything but typical, and I suspect yours might be similar. Don’t be hard on yourself for the way you’re eating; our cravings and changes in taste are scientifically backed. If you’re seeking comfort food more than ever, you’re certainly not alone.
Currently, I’m indulging in cake—it’s my birthday week, after all, and who wants leftover chocolate cake lingering around? Cheez-Its, spoonfuls of Nutella, chips, sugary cereals—these aren’t foods I typically eat, yet I find myself consuming them in larger amounts than usual. Initially, I felt frustrated. My cravings seemed out of control, and I was internally chastising myself for what some might label “unhealthy” eating. Influenced by diet culture and countless ads promoting weight loss and fitness during the pandemic, I felt guilty for not “eating clean.” I wanted sugar, but it often left me feeling unwell. What was happening?
Like many, I am navigating unemployment, homeschooling my kids, and facing the ongoing stress of a global pandemic. After some reflection, I realized there are a lot of external pressures at play, and it’s essential to extend kindness towards myself. My cravings aren’t just about food; they’re my brain’s way of coping with stress.
In essence, we are in the midst of a serious crisis, and the chemicals in my brain are pushing me to satisfy my need for comfort. Stress impacts our appetite in intriguing ways. For instance, during high-stress moments—like before a crucial meeting or presentation—many of us lose our appetite because our bodies are flooded with adrenaline. However, prolonged stress, like what we’re experiencing now, raises cortisol levels, which in turn heightens our hunger and cravings. But when cortisol is at play, we typically don’t crave healthier options; instead, we reach for sugary treats and carbs that quickly convert to sugar, which releases dopamine in our brains—the “happy chemical” everyone is after during tough times.
Dopamine encourages us to pursue activities or foods that bring us joy, whether it’s replaying our favorite song, exercising, or enjoying a slice of pizza. While it can foster a sense of happiness, it can also lead to addictive behaviors. As someone in recovery from alcoholism, I know firsthand how the urge to feel better can escalate. I’m not suggesting that a desire for warm, buttery bread or freshly baked cookies is an addiction, but for those predisposed to addiction, it’s worth considering. If you’re finding it hard to manage your eating habits during this pandemic, don’t hesitate to seek help.
Additionally, stress disrupts our sleep, and when we’re sleep-deprived, the hormone ghrelin rises while leptin drops, resulting in increased hunger. To compound things, lack of sleep raises levels of endocannabinoids in our system, which can enhance the pleasure of eating—especially at night, akin to the effects of marijuana, as noted by SleepFoundation.org. When we’re tired, our cravings lean towards snacks, not nutritious options.
It’s perfectly okay to embrace your desire for comfort food without letting diet culture or societal expectations add to your stress. We are living through an unprecedented time, and the last thing we need is to punish ourselves for our eating choices. Do what feels good for you. If indulging in comfort food brings you relief, that’s valid. But if you find that it doesn’t help, remember there are other ways to boost your mood, such as exercise, meditation, sleep, music, or laughter.
In this topsy-turvy world, if your eating habits are “off” but provide comfort, that’s completely understandable. We all need a little relief right now. For more insights on coping mechanisms and the psychological impact of our current situation, visit our blog here.
Summary:
In the face of unprecedented stress, many people are turning to comfort food more than usual. This behavior is scientifically rooted in how stress affects our appetite and cravings. Embracing these cravings can be a way to cope, but it’s also important to be mindful of how they impact our well-being. It’s essential to prioritize self-care and seek alternative ways to find joy during these challenging times.