Killing It In My Sixties

Logically, I know its not good to shove comfort food in my face when I am depressed, lonely or bored. My COVID 19-pound weight gain proved that, and while it may have helped me get through it – it wasn’t the best thing for my waistline.  These days, I try to remember the “all things in moderation” advice.  However, there is legitimate research to be found, that validates the fact that dark chocolate does indeed improve depression symptoms, reduce anxiety and lower negative thinking tendencies. An article in Psychology Today in 2021 said it – so I believe it!

Apparently chocolate contains a potent blend of “psycho- and biologically-active chemicals”. Supposedly they work in concert and give us a “happy-buzz”, that we are conditioned to love and crave, especially during tough times.  I almost always have a little bag of some kind of dark chocolate in my desk drawer at work. And at home – I keep a similar stash in the freezer, hidden behind a bag of frozen vegetables.  Of course I know I am only fooling myself – but it’s better than a candy dish on the counter!

If I am out of chocolate, other types of comfort foods come into play. I’m not gonna’ lie – when my taste buds are happy – I am a little happier too. Our sense of taste is one of our five vital senses that can be satisfied during a stressful, sad or uncomfortable time or feeling.  Sometimes its chocolate that helps, but a sweetly spicy cup of hot tea, a salty basket of piping hot french fries, or a warm chewy cookie can help just as well.  Somehow pleasing one or more of our basic senses helps to buff out the rough spots a bit.

Like chocolate, comfort foods, do trigger a chemical reaction that induces a feeling of pleasure.  When it’s dark, cold and rainy outside – a warm steaming bowl of wonton soup is the perfect anecdote.  Mashed potatoes and rich brown gravy make me feel safe and cared for. And a perfect cheeseburger, rounds out a great friend-visit like no other.  I mean – think about it – when you feel like you need something to eat – something that will help you feel better – do you run to the kitchen for a boiled brussels sprout, or a glass of prune juice? Likely not.

Almost any celebration that comes to mind involves good food.  Those delicious foods: ice cream, cake, Thanksgiving dinner, See’s chocolates, a juicy Pinot Noir, or a big stainless steel bowl of cold cracked crab – they all remind us of a wonderful time, a feeling of satisfying social connection, and lovely feelings of pleasure.  We learn to associate those foods and drinks with feeling good.  

When I used to visit my grandma and grandpa’s house as a young girl, I remember being allowed to get a lemon drop hard candy out of a particular kitchen drawer – any time I wanted.  I still associate lemon drops with happiness and love. I admit – sometimes the lemon drop is actually a Lemon Drop Martini… but still!! Childhood memories = warm feelings!

Different cultures have different comfort foods – they vary widely, differentiated by familial traditions, available food sources, and local spices and recipes.  During the 1960’s in my childhood, I remember two treats that were always comforting and joyful: Bread-Butter-and-Sugar, and 7-Up Floats.  The first was always very fresh soft, white Wonder Bread with a thick slather of real butter and a perfectly even, light sprinkling of white sugar.  Nothing better!!!  And my mom invented the 7-up float, (At least that is what she said), patterned after the ever-popular A & W Frosty Mug root beer float.  I still remember – it tasted like sparkly vanilla ice cream in a glass.

To be honest – I haven’t had either one of those treats in many years – but given the chance – Yeah! I would eat both, with sheer pleasure and guilt-free indulgence!   So – feeling down? I say – EAT IT! You will undoubtedly feel happier!