Living Outside The Lines: Comfort Food

The term “comfort food” can be traced back to a 1966 Palm Beach Post story which stated, “adults, when under severe emotional stress, turn to what could be called ‘comfort food’…”

By Becky J Miller

When confronted with scads of research and piles of data that scream Americans as a whole are morbidly obese, why do we continue to turn to food as a source of comfort? Well, duh, because it makes us feel good, that’s why!! At least temporarily anyhow.

Turning to food as a source of comfort isn’t necessarily a “must be avoided at all costs” action, it’s more of an “only on rare occasions” event. The real problem can be traced to the foods we turn to. Absolutely no one I know craves fruits and vegetables when they are stressed. Never have I heard, “OMG, I owe $5000 to the IRS, let me go eat a salad!” #NOT

Comfort food is typically defined as, “food that provides consolation or a feeling of wellbeing, typically any with a high sugar or other carbohydrate content and associated with childhood or home cooking. According to Wikipedia, one study even divided comfort foods into four distinct categories; nostalgic foods, indulgence foods, convenience foods and physical foods.

The term “comfort food” can be traced back to a 1966 Palm Beach Post story which stated, “adults, when under severe emotional stress, turn to what could be called ‘comfort food’…” according to TheAtlantic.com. Some common comfort foods would be, mashed potatoes, French fries, and my personal favorite, ice cream.

I have a family member, who shall remain anonymous, that used to hide in the pantry eating potato chips. At the time, “comfort food” wasn’t really a thing yet. As I recall they’d indulge in any kind of chips, but Pringles was their favorite. Personally I’m a member of the Cheetos comfort food camp, although the Munchies mix with Cheetos, Doritos, Sun Chips and Pretzels is a fabulous as well!

Did you know that thrillist.com actually defines comfort foods by state? I won’t bore everyone with all 50 states, but here are some highlights:  Alabama – Pecan Pie, California – Fish Tacos (Fish tacos?? I do enjoy fish tacos, but not what I’d consider a comfort food…Californians always gotta be different), Delaware – Scrapple (GAG!), Florida- Key Lime Pie, Georgia – Peach Cobbler, Louisiana – Gumbo, North Carolina – BBQ Pork Sandwich, Texas – BBQ Brisket, Vermont – Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream (definitely moving there!), Washington State – Salmon (Say what?? How is a healthy food high in protein a comfort food??), and Wisconsin – Fried Cheese Cruds (who is surprised by this one??).

In case it was missed, Southerners do know how to pick their comfort foods, if I do say so myself, and without an ounce of personal bias! Sadly though, none of those choices made Prevention Magazine’s list of 13 comfort foods that actually fight stress. Foods like asparagus, berries, avocados (MMM!! Avocados make almost any dish better!), cashews, chamomile tea, chocolate (in moderation, people!), garlic, grass-fed beef, green tea, oatmeal, oranges, oysters, and walnuts.

What is the best way to avoid overindulging in comfort food? It’s easy; don’t bring them into your home. If you must keep a stash, make sure it’s individual servings. Even better? When the urge to be comforted first strikes, chug a 16-ounce glass of water. Afterwards, if the need to be comforted has not passed, then by all means, feed your craving; just be prepared for the guilt trip that follows.

Until Next Time,

Becky J Miller ~ Warrior Princess 

Becky J Miller is a contributor and is exclusive to SM Corridor News. You can read additional columns of Living Outside the Lines’ columns in Lifestyle.

Note: Cheese curds, in cuisine or cooking, are the solid pieces of curdled milk either eaten alone as a snack, or used in various regional dishes [chiefly in Canada and in the northeastern and midwestern United States].Wikipedia