Comfort eating in lockdown – why do we do it?

The struggle with food and over-eating has become more of an issue now than ever for many of us in lockdown.

In a time where most of our stress and boredom levels have reached their peak, I think I speak for a lot of people when I say I have fallen into the cycle of comfort eating at least once this past year. This (what seems like) endless coronavirus pandemic has left many of us turning to food to ease our feelings of stress, anxiety, boredom and loneliness.

With the consequences of unemployment, struggles with childcare, social isolation and just sheer boredom, it’s no surprise that half of Britons said they gained weight and were eating more in lockdown.

So why is it that we find comfort in food?

A healthy relationship with food is eating to fulfil hunger or for pleasure in moderation. This feeling of pleasure is caused by neurotransmitters in our brain (dopamine, opioids and benzodiazepine) which affect how much we eat and enjoy what we are eating. The opioid neurotransmitter system is also connected to our response to stress and agitation which is where the comfort eating comes in to play.

Food is seen as a tool to help cope with emotions that have not been dealt with. The problem is, when you comfort eat, does it really leave you feeling better afterwards? If so, you would feel happy and positive – how do you feel after reaching for another slice of cake?

If you are left with feelings of guilt and critical thinking, then we have to question whether the food was actually “comforting” in the first place. As I mentioned before, food provides a sense of pleasure and relief from emotions. However, this temporary feeling will more likely than not leave you feeling disappointed and guilty.

When we begin to feel guilty and unhappy, we feel as though we are back to square one. Left with emotions which we look to relieve through the form of comfort eating once again. Feelings of guilt can also lead to an unhealthy relationship with food, acting as a form of punishment to yourself.

If this is a feeling you can relate to, remind yourself it’s okay to indulge from time to time. The important thing is that you are mindful of what you eat and the reasons that you reach for food.

By being mindful, you can shift your focus on to a healthier coping mechanism that is more rewarding and is not damaging. Turn a new page and build a healthy relationship with food; there is no need for cutting out foods completely. Just make sure the next time you reach for food, it is not coming from a need to deal with your emotions. Make time for self-care and find rewarding practises that will act as an outlet for your stress rather than food.