The Science of Comfort Food

• Take a walk around the block. A quick 15-minute bout of brisk walking reduced chocolate cravings for participants in a recent study from the University of Exeter in the UK. “The exercise appears to be more than just a distraction and may have some sort of neurological effect on cravings,” says Adrian Taylor, Ph.D., study co-author and professor of Exercise and Health Psychology.

• Just breathe. It may sound simple, but taking three to five deep breathes once a craving strikes can help you make a more thoughtful decision, says celebrity dietician Ashley Koff, R.D., who recommends this technique to her clients. The response to cravings is often immediate consumption so a quick breathing break might do the trick.

Final Food for Thought: “Will This Bring Me Pleasure or Comfort?”
That’s the question to ask yourself before you give into any so-called comfort food cravings. Comfort implies a long term, sustainable good feeling. If you eat a casserole dish-sized portion of mac and cheese, are you really going to feel comfort in the end? Probably not.

“We often mix up these two words,” says Albers, who compares this confusion to shoes. “A stunning pair of 4-inch heels will give you instant pleasure, but for real comfort, you’ll need to put on your trusty sneakers.” Stick to something that you know will make you feel better the next day (like a long hot bath before bed) rather than wolfing down candy bars.