Why is it that "comfort food" is always something unhealthy?

Answer 1

As some people have already pointed out, "comfort food" ie food we reach for to cheer us up, doesn't have to be junk food. It can be a bowl of vegetable soup etc.

But often comfort food is junk food and the following are some reasons why:
Because it is ready prepared. If we are reaching for food to make us happy, then we are probably not in the mood to cook something healthy and yummy. We can't be bothered.

Why don't we reach for fruit and vegetables? Partly because we are subject to a lot of junk food advertising everyday. And a lot of this advertising tells us that junk food is comfort food. Chocolate, ice cream, donuts, etc are all advertised as treats, comfort food.
And a fair amount of this advertising sticks in our minds

Fruit and veg advertising isn't nearly as aggressive, no one has as much vested interest in advertising peaches as they do Hershey's kisses, as no one has a monopoly on fruit sales. Imagine if someone did have a monopoly how much advertising we would see for fruit!

So what do we do about the junk food/comfort food problem? Keep healthy snacks around, nuts, fruit etc so that if you feel like grabbing something quick you can. And pay attention to your taste buds, don't just believe advertising that tells you chocolate is best. Maybe grapes are!

Also - a word on the notion of comfort food itself - eating to cheer yourself up, if it happens regularly, is not healthy. No matter what you are eating. Eating is for when we are hungry and not depressed or upset. Life can be stressful and we need to find healthy ways of dealing with stress.

Exercise is a good one. Although it can be the last thing you feel like as stress/depression can make you feel lethargic, it is a good idea to get out there and walk. It will raise your endorphin level which will make you feel a lot better.

Answer 2

A comfort food is whatever you desire it to be. It could be a bag of carrots or a bag of chips. You can easily change your comfort food choices by keeping more fresh fruit and veggies around the house and less of whatever you binge on. Try a nice strawberry & bananna smoothie or something similar the next time, if you have an 8oz glass it will even act as a snack :)

Answer 3

Comfort food is not healthy, it's the amount of comfort food that we consume that is unhealthy.

Answer 4

Comfort food to me is a hot bowl of vegetable soup.

Answer 5

comfort food is usually too salty,too sweet or very greasy.