You've had a long, stressful day and all you can think about is a big bowl of macaroni and cheese, or maybe a chocolate bar. But why do we crave 'comfort food' in times of stress?

Comfort food, often rich in calories, sugar, or fat, can temporarily improve our mood and evoke a sense of comfort and nostalgia. When we are under stress, our body produces more of the stress hormone cortisol. Eating, especially comfort food, can reduce the production of cortisol and help us feel calmer and more comfortable.

Additionally, consuming sugary food can lead to the release of dopamine, the 'happiness hormone', in our brains. This gives us a temporary feeling of happiness and reward, which can help compensate for the negative feelings of stress.

It is important to remember that while comfort food can provide temporary relief, it is not a long-term solution for stress management. Regularly consuming calorie- and sugar-rich food can lead to weight gain and other health problems. Instead, try to find other, healthier ways to cope with stress, such as exercise, meditation, or talking to a friend.