The Psychology of Food

All of us have a relationship with food. For some of us the relationship  seems to be a nurturing one, where eating sooth us emotionally. For others  the relationship with food is a very restricted one, where food intake is monitored constantly and this seems to go hand in hand with high levels of anxiety, stress and guilt. For some eating is a crucial coping mechanism, such as having a chocolate to feel better after a break-up or a way of mending relationships through saying sorry with something sweet. Food is an important component of building relationships with significant others through sharing a meal, or cooking together as a family or as friends.

According to experts such as Patrick Holford, a London, England–based nutritionist  and Dr. Dhawan; certain foods influence our emotions.  Dr. Dhawan indicates that food affects our metabolism, hormones and neurotransmitters which impacts our energy levels, ability to concentrate and how we feel. Holford noted that omega-3 fatty acids in fish and avocado oils may relieve or help protect individuals against depression. Further research has shown that vitamin D deficiency can cause low moods; and oily fish is high in vitamin D. If your low mood  persists and you find it extremely difficult to cope you might need to visit a health professional to support you in this regard.

During this holiday season it might be worthwhile to pay some attention to your relationship with food, to increase your self-awareness and nurture your emotions, so that you will have enough emotional capacity to deal with what lies ahead in 2016.