5 Reasons We Love Comfort Foods According to Psychology, Not Just Hunger

Illustration of reasons for liking comfort foods according to psychology (Freepik/jcomp)

YOGYAKARTA - Have you ever felt like eating certain foods when you are tired, stressed, or your mood is down, even though your stomach is not really hungry? This phenomenon is closely related to the attraction to comfort foods, which are foods that give an emotionally comfortable feeling. According to psychology, quoting Psychology Today, Tuesday, December 30, liking comfort foods is not just about physical needs, but also the brain's natural response to emotions, memories, and social experiences that are inherent in the food.

1. Certain foods give an emotional sense of comfort

Comfort foods are generally high in fat, sugar, or carbohydrates, which can trigger the release of chemicals in the brain associated with pleasure and relaxation. This effect makes a person feel calmer and more comfortable after consuming it, even if only temporarily. This is the reason why certain foods feel "soothing" when the mental state is unstable.

2. Interest in comfort foods appears when negative emotions

When stressed, sad, or depressed, the brain tends to look for a quick way to improve the mood. Food then becomes one of the forms of coping mechanisms that are easily accessible. In psychology, this condition is known as eating because of emotional impulses, not because of the body's real hunger signal.

Illustration of reasons for liking comfort foods according to psychology (Freepik/wayhomestudio)3. Comfort foods are related to a sense of security and togetherness

Many comfort foods are connected to warm moments, such as eating with family or certain celebrations. When someone feels lonely or lacks emotional support, foods that remind them of togetherness can evoke a sense of security and acceptance. Therefore, the attraction to comfort foods is also related to the emotional need to feel connected to others.

4. Aroma and taste trigger emotional memories

The sense of smell and taste have a strong relationship with memory. The smell or taste of certain foods can bring someone back to a pleasant past experience, even without realizing it. When that positive memory comes up, the desire to return to eating the food increases.

5. Habits and special moments strengthen interest

Comfort foods often come up on special occasions, such as holidays, birthdays, or vacations. Because they are consumed repeatedly in a pleasant atmosphere, the brain forms an association between the food and a feeling of happiness. As a result, when the mood is down, the brain "remembers" the food as a source of comfort.

The reason for liking comfort foods according to psychology is not just about being hungry, but the result of the interaction between emotions, memories, and habits that have been formed for a long time. By understanding the psychological reasons behind this desire, you can be more aware of distinguishing between physical hunger and emotional needs. Comfort foods can still be enjoyed, provided they are consumed with awareness and not the only way to manage emotions.