Comfort food has been described as those food preferences developed during childhood which evoke pleasant memories in adults (Stein 412). Stein in his article explores the reasons behind these comfort food preferences as to how they are developed and what makes them evoke pleasant memories. According to the article, often either physiological or psychological needs are at play when an individual craves for a specific food. Certain food, when eaten, releases trace amounts of mood elevating opiates. Physiology comes into play here. Similarly, psychology also affects our food choices. Childhood experiences play a vital role in determining an individual’s food preferences. For an individual, the food that he or she associated with happy memories of their childhood becomes their comfort food in adulthood (Stein 412). Restaurants, schools and even hospitals are recognizing the importance of comfort foods and are adding them to their menus (Stein 413).
The article gives an insight into the world of comfort foods. I knew that people crave for a specific type of food such as chocolate, sweets, or ice-creams but had no idea that the reasons for such cravings go way beyond their palate. I considered taste as the main reason behind any such craving. I was thoroughly surprised to know that our food preferences are impacted by our childhood experiences (Stein 412). Also, the way our physiology acts as an important agent for enticing any such craving is astonishing. It was hard to believe that our body balances the nutritional deficiencies to arouse our need for comfort food. It feels as if our mind and body conspire to create the urge for comfort food (Stein 412). It was good to know that places such as hospitals are taking advantage of these comfort foods. Anyone understands that it is places like hospitals where one needs comforting the most. To have a meal which will provide pleasure and comfort to our body and mind can go a long way in the early and healthy recovery of a patient. I think more research should be conducted in the field of comfort food specific to their usage in hospitals and other caregiving facilities. I believe the healthier usage of comfort food in hospitals and other caregiving facilitates can act as an agent which will make a patient’s stay more comfortable.
Works Cited
Stein, Karen. "Contemporary Comfort Foods: Bringing Back Old Favorites." Journal of the American Dietetic Association 108.3 (2008): 412-14. Print.
