The intricate relationship between food and emotions!

#childhood #healing #BingeEating

Food, a symphony of flavors, can bring a series of emotions within us. Some dishes take us back to the warm embrace of childhood, where the taste of a favourite meal evokes a tender nostalgia. Certain foods, often associated with childhood or personal experiences, can trigger feelings of comfort, security, and happiness.

Back as a kid, when I lived in Manali, there was a little kitchen (I forgot the name, my memories have faded) tucked away in the heart of the city, an old lady who possessed a magical gift—one that could transport people through time with just a single bite of her food. Her secret lay in the dishes she lovingly prepared, each carrying the power to evoke memories and stir emotions in those fortunate enough to taste them. I was 8 years old when I first tried Momos, which she prepared handmade. It was fresh with steamed meat and vegetable. It was juicy and tasted heavenly. I remembered visiting that place every week. She always placed hot momos and a steaming bowl of chicken soup. There was just something about eating those on cold winter days.

In a stressful world, an unexpected remedy lies within the pots and pans. A simple bowl of soup or a warm slice of cookies can mend the fragments of a broken heart. But it is not solely the taste that evokes such deep-rooted responses. The act of sharing a meal, of breaking bread with loved ones. For me, food has become a tool for healing and self-discovery and not just a source of nutrients.

Also Read: How design influences what we eat

Whenever I feel stressed, I cook.

The sizzle of frying onions, the aroma of garlic, the clattering of knives, and the sound of simmering bubbles become my unusual meditation.

The taste of food also depends on your mood and the circumstances.

On a bright summer day, a slice of juicy watermelon becomes a burst of refreshing sweetness. When the rain taps against your window, crunchy fried fitters, and during winters curled up under blankets, a piping hot bowl of homemade chicken soup becomes a soothing balm for the soul. In moments of celebration, when laughter fills the air, a slice of rich chocolate cake becomes a pleasure. Then there are those instances when food becomes a vehicle for specific moments.

I moved from Manali when I was 10 years old, and I never got the same taste, I had at that place again. Whenever I have soup, it reminds me of my powerful memories and emotions, transporting me back to specific moments in the past.

Yet, like all powerful forces, the connection between food and emotions carries both light and shadow. It is here that we tread with caution, for food can also be wielded as a shield or a weapon. During stressful times, we may feel the urge to overeat, binge eat, or develop other eating disorders.

But amidst these complexities lies the potential for transformation.

Food can heal, restore, and uplift.

Through mindful eating and conscious nourishment, we can cultivate a deeper understanding of our emotional landscape. And then there are the humble delights—the guilty pleasures that instantly uplift your spirits. The velvety chocolate or a scoop of ice cream. They remind you to savor the sweetness of life, to embrace the sheer delight that lies within every delectable bite.

So, the next time you find yourself savoring a dish that evokes feelings of comfort, security, and happiness, pause for a moment... Allow yourself to fully immerse in the experience, relish each bite, and savor the emotions that arise. Embrace the power of food to transport you to a place of warmth and contentment.

Pictures on Pinterest!