It’s alright to make food your comfort blanket

When trying to survive the uncertainty of the current times you might be considering learning a new skill or trying a new online exercise routine. There seems to be an expectation that you should be using the time you wouldn’t normally have for something that will improve you in some way. But you might just be seeking solace in nostalgia and making it through each day. With so much change going on around you, it is totally normal for you to seek comfort in the familiar. Where better to find comfort, than food?

Here, Natasha Hodge the Nutritional Advisor at Happy People Solutions, gives some advice on how you can truly comfort your body and mind with great food, now more than ever.

You’re probably trying to process a huge amount of new information. You’re adapting to changing circumstances and keeping your head above water.

At Happy People Solutions our business is helping you to cope with anxiety and depression at any time in your life, let alone in a time of global panic.

Right now, it is more important than ever to shout our message from the rooftops: “Good Food means Great Mental Health!”

We focus on positive mindset tools by getting the foundation of great food in place to allow your brain to thrive.

What we’re seeing right now is completely expected. People are comforting themselves with food. There are memes and and GIFs everywhere of people gorging on food and drink and that being an acceptable way of coping with what’s going on.

At Happy People Solutions we 100% agree that food is the best way of comforting yourself. But hold on. It matters which foods you are using to do so.

You might think what better way to reward yourself after worrying about rising numbers of COVID19 cases than with a batch of homemade cakes or your favourite chocolate bar?

Sugar, like an opiate giving you a hit, will definitely sooth you in the very short term. But it has two other physiological effects that you really don’t want now or ever.

Firstly, it creates a blood sugar spike followed by a crash which puts your body in fight or flight mode and sends out the stress hormone Cortisol. Do you really want MORE stress right now? It stops you being able to think clearly and magnifies anxiety and depression.

Secondly, as it is addictive like any drug, it is followed by craving for more of the same. Followed by a vicious cycle of eating to comfort and creating a stressful mental environment for yourself ad infinitum.

The fantastic news is that there are loads of foods you can turn to that give you all the comfort and none of the crash or crave.

Our focus is about swapping foods that enhance every part of you. Learning to eat to boost your immune system now and into the future could be the best gift you ever give yourself. And the timing could not be more perfect. Forget learning a new language, focus on new ways of eating and thinking. Then learn the new language with your more energetic clearer thinking brain!

Focus on the following to get the best from your body:

• Fattier cuts of meat and poultry
• Organic meats
• Nuts
• Full fat dairy
• Non starchy vegetables

On the sweet front, why not try a batch of choc nut cups from our sister site? These use a glucose based syrup and have the right ratio of protein and fat to prevent the blood sugar spike

Being able to have a positive outlook starts with eating unprocessed food. You now have time to explore cooking your own food and moving away form ready meals and processed snacks.

We’re here to help. Myself, a nutritional advisor and Katrina Love, a positive mindset coach run online meetings each week to see you through this challenging time.

Join us for free on Zoom Mondays at 7pm for physical and mental health tips plus a side order of positivity and laughs https://zoom.us/j/182571014 or visit our website to find out more about us.

Stay safe, stay well.