I’m almost done reading the book Mindless Eating and wanted to share some thoughts on one chapter that deals with comfort foods.

I found it fascinating to hear why men and women differ in their opinions of what a comfort food is. Men tend to refer to pizza, pasta, chili, stews, and other meal types as comfort foods. The reasons are that it makes us feel like we are being taken care of and have a meal prepared for us just like our mothers used to do for us.

Now women on the other hand do not view these as comforting because they stir up images and thoughts of having to work and having to take care of everyone else’s needs.

Comfort foods for women tend to be chocolates, ice cream, and cookies. These are simple and easy to prepare and feel like a treat.

Now the other interesting thing that was brought up is that most people associate comfort foods with stress or feeling depressed or down. It’s quite the opposite. We tend to eat our comfort foods when we are happy.

Some of the good news is that when we are happy the comfort foods we tend to chose are healthier for us. Reasoning behind this is that if we eat something bad for us we will feel guilty and it will ruin the good mood we are in.

That’s a big issue when it comes to comfort foods. You are eating them to fulfill some emotional need. It would always be best to find an alternative way to fulfill that need, such as spending some quality time with your significant other and really bonding.

I’m sure you have all experienced the guilt that follows all to soon after eating the unhealthy comfort foods. Yes you receive some temporary satisfaction (for your taste buds), but soon after the guilt sinks in and usually that leads to continued eating and thoughts like, “Well I’ve already ruined my diet today, I’ll just pig out the rest of the day and start fresh tomorrow.”

I cover this in The Fit Chic and it really is a vicious cycle that is hard to break and all to often tomorrow never comes because you continue to fall into the same trap.

I would love to hear what your comfort foods are and what emotions or memories get stirred up when you eat your comfort foods.

Do you feel guilty afterwards?

What usually triggers you to eat your comfort foods?

Click on the comment link below and share your thoughts with your fellow Fit Chic’s and myself. I really do care what you think and each comment you make will give me a better understanding of how I can best help you.

You all ROCK and I wish you all the best!

YOUR DREAM BODY AWAITS YOU…

Scott Tousignant, BHK, CFC

www.TheFitChic.com
www.UnstoppableFatLoss.com
www.TheFitBastard.com
Check Me Out On MySpace