Comfort eating in lockdown – why do we do it?

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

In a time when 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 do 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) that affect how much we eat and enjoy what we eat. The opioid neurotransmitter system is also connected to our response to stress and agitation, which is where the comfort eating comes into play.

Food is seen as a tool to help us cope with emotions we have not 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 a relief from emotions. However, this temporary feeling will more likely than not leave you feeling guilty and disappointed.

When the feeling of satisfaction begins to fade and unhappiness sets in, we feel as though we are back to square one: left with emotions we look to relieve - once again - through the form of comfort eating. Feelings of guilt can also contribute to an unhealthy cycle and long-term disordered relationship with food, acting as a form of punishment for oneself.

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 you reach for food.

By being mindful, you can shift your focus toward a healthier coping mechanism that is more rewarding and is not damaging.

A first step is to make sure the next time you reach for food, the decision does not stem from a need to deal with your emotions. Look for cues for hunger, genuine cravings (all in moderation), or a reason to socialise. A second: make a conscious effort to dedicate time to self-care, and find rewarding practices that act as an outlet for your stress rather than food.

Cutting out food groups or obsessing over rules you set for yourself does not have to hold space in your life for any longer, nor is it likely to achieve sustainable results. By breaking indulgent, bingeing, and restrictive cycles, you can turn a new page and build your own healthy relationship with food.