Comfort Food has Different Meanings for Men and Women

Steak or Cake?

According to a recent study in Physiology and Behavior, the term "comfort food" has different meanings for men and women.

Women -- no surprise here -- would rather reach for sweets when they're feeling blue. But it turns out that men prefer meat or other protein-rich foods to comfort them. And unlike women, men tend to eat these types of food when they're at their happiest, not their lowest, points. So while women use food to alleviate stress, sadness, and other negative emotions, men use food to increase their pleasure and positive emotions. The findings were based on a survey of 277 men and women in Montreal, Canada.

The study also found that males and females had different reactions once they had eaten their comfort foods. Who was the most satisfied? Men and older adults felt the best after eating. But while they said they felt better once they indulged, women also reported feelings of guilt over the calorie-rich foods they had consumed.

In yet another twist, though, the researchers did find that foods with fewer calories and less fat could also increase happiness and concluded that a salad or a piece of fruit could serve as alternatives to the cake or steak debate.

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What is...a migraine headache?

Symptoms of migraines vary, from extreme sensitivity to light, noise, and smells, to fatigue, blurry vision, and nausea. The attacks are characterized by a pounding or throbbing headache that often starts as a dull pain. The pain can shift from one side of the head to the other, or affect the whole head. The experience can last from several hours to a few days. Multiple attacks a month are not uncommon.

Among other factors, migraines can be triggered by stress, skipping meals, menstrual periods, and sensitivities to certain foods, drinks, or chemicals. More women than men experience migraine headaches, and the problem tends to run in families.

Yours in good health,
Amanda Ross
Editorial Director
Nutrition & Healing