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Why does eating give me such great pleasure?
And if someone criticizes me, I’ll eat them too…
I always feel good when eating
After a difficult day, (especially during this peculiar period) to accompany me when watching box sets on TV (because that’s how I’m easing my boredom at the moment)… Whatever the circumstances, every meal and every snack is a joyous moment! When preparing myself something to eat, big or small, that I’ll definitely enjoy, I know that I’m going to have a good time and that my mood will pick up. The proof: the time I spend eating a bowl of cereal or some tacos is time I don’t spend thinking about what is bothering me.
I work on the assumption that every moment in life tastes better when we allow ourselves a little something sweet, or an explosion of flavors. What’s more, some foods, as well as tasting nice, bring back memories. I associate certain foods with my childhood, or with good times, such as past holidays I’ve been on. This is how I break free from everyday life, with an Italian ice-cream or a Kinder chocolate in my hand.
To sum up the situation: the context and reasons that lead me to eat are very good.
Only eating what is necessary, which is the 2000 calories a day needed to survive… What kind of human being wants to do that? When I go out with friends to a restaurant (or am alone at home for that matter), I want to treat myself and indulge in nice things. So why not discover new foods that I’ve never tried before? That’s just it; I like cooking, being indulgent and snacking. I do it as much to satisfy a desire as I do to meet a need. Especially during this period of lockdown, it’s one of the only pleasures that remains! Some people are passionate about music, art or sport…but for me, a huge food lover, it’s making the most of the simple things that makes me happy.
>>> Discover the signs someone is suffering from body dysmorphia
Science agrees, food that makes us happy do exist
You just have to look at athletes during a competition to understand, or just people who are in a bad mood unless they are at the dining table: being restrictive is emotionally exhausting! And I’m not looking for excuses to justify my indulgent eating habits, science has done that for me.
Anti-depressive foods definitely exist. At the center of the amygdala in the brain, scientists have identified a group of cells that are activated when foods with a pleasant taste are being consumed. It’s this network of cells that enhances nice-tasting food. But that’s not all, some foods stimulate the production of serotonin, which is none other than the happiness hormone. Our body is not independent enough to produce it on its own, which is why I obtain it through the food I eat.
Remember that vitamins and minerals contained in fruit and vegetables are antioxidants that stimulate the brain and support good mental health.
Editor’s opinion – What does my body think about it?Because it’s impossible for my body to keep track of this indulgent eating. If I don’t manage to reduce my hunger cravings and accept my body, I am quickly going to end up frustrated. And that’s not the aim. It’s thanks to a few tips and tricks that I can eat well without jeopardizing my health or weight. These include, reducing the sugar content in my food, trying out one of the numerous healthy recipes available on social media, or finding the motivation to start doing sport. This allows me to burn off what I eat… and then have seconds! At the end of the day, I can do what I what with my body. |
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