Introduction
The concept of eating for pleasure signifies satisfying the cravings for the most primary necessity of life—eating. Psychological and emotional factors are involved while eating for pleasure.
We’re enjoying ourselves way too much with sugary, oily and salty foods since food and nutrition have an impact on lifestyle and health conditions. When we take a bite of a soft, creamy muffin, we just can’t resist having another bite. Eating for pleasure activates the brain’s reward system more than eating for hunger.
Think about this great option—We can enjoy food while also eating it in a healthy way. Eating foods that make us happy will likely result in keeping a healthier diet over time. The essence of eating lies in consuming a decent meal with excellent taste.
When we think of a flavour, the first thing that typically comes to mind is its distinguishing characteristics, such as how a chocolate cake feels in the mouth.
Specifically, a combination of warmth, mouthfeel and flavours. But that is only half the feel. The other is how we feel after eating it. Eating and drinking are only motivated by pleasure and are genuinely satisfying.
Pleasure eating
Particular foods and food settings can activate the pleasure or reward circuit in our brains. This is typical animal behaviour that once served as an evolutionary benefit.
Our ancestors looked for food every day because they enjoyed eating. That is not very advantageous in today’s fast food culture. However, it is a part of our genetic makeup.
All foods, though some more so than others, stimulate the brain’s reward region. Simple carbohydrates, such as sugar and other sweets, are highly pleasurable.
The psychology behind eating for pleasure
Relishing eating not only makes mealtimes enjoyable but also has significant health benefits. Together with other advantages, savouring food can improve digestion, the relationship with food, and the ability to recover from eating disorders.
Getting enough “vitamin P” is as important as the food on the plate.
Many studies have been conducted on the science of pleasure eating. According to science, the physiological processing of people’s enjoyment of food occurs in both their lips and their brains.
Dopamine is released in the brain in reaction to any form of pleasure, including the enjoyment of eating.
Dopamine, the feel-good hormone, helps to foster emotions like happiness, calmness, motivation and concentration.
A study titled “Reward, Dopamine and the Regulation of Food Intake: Implications for Obesity” states that obese persons may have reduced dopamine sensitivity, which leads them to overeat to feel satisfied by eating.
Nevertheless, when our brain chemistry is in balance, the pleasure we experience when eating might also have a beneficial effect on our health. When we enjoy the food we are eating and increase dopamine, we digest and metabolise foods more effectively.
While we are relaxed and enjoying our food, our neurological system goes into a rest and digestive state, allowing us to fully digest and absorb the nutrients from it.
Healthy eating may also be encouraged by eating for pleasure.
Importance of eating for pleasure
There are numerous ways that food can nourish the body. Eating for pleasure nourishes not only the body but also the mind. People are less prone to experience deprivation or restriction when they are full.
Some studies indicate that people lose the ability to enjoy their meals when they are highly concerned about their nutrition. This is especially true for persons whose diets are restricted because of health issues or have other types of restrictions due to allergies or food sensitivities.
Instead of enjoying their food, people concentrate on how deprived or under control they feel.
As a result, enjoying food becomes even more important. Making nutritious food choices has also been connected to enjoying eating. People are less likely to later make judgements that may undermine their nutritional objectives while they are enjoying what they are eating. Also, professionals advise highlighting enjoyment and tastiness when promoting nutrition.
Improved social connection
Food is vital to a gathering with friends, family or any social event. Sharing meals with others frequently results in people feeling happier and improves social connection.
Physical and emotional comfort
Very strong triggers for dietary decisions include emotions and moods. Food is associated with many emotions and social interactions from an early age.
Food is frequently used to assist or cope with certain feelings and situations, whether sad, happy, celebrating, remembering, lonely, angry, etc. This relationship may begin long before we are even in charge of our own nutrition, during the times when our parents make decisions for us.
In our most basic forms, people act in many ways to pursue pleasure or avoid pain. There is no difference when you eat for pleasure.
Humans can feel pain in the form of hunger, and we seek pleasure in the form of nourishment (food & drink). When emotions are present, we start to avoid other types of pain that are more closely tied to emotions, and since we have discovered that food and drink may be pleasurable, we start to use them for purposes other than hunger.
Breaks diet culture
There are several definitions of diet culture, but one feature of this societal-level messaging is that we have to say no to the foods we enjoy, especially if they are high in calories or fat.
Making the decision to deliberately appreciate the food helps eliminate this negative mindset.
The body learns to believe that it will get what it needs when all foods, including the most delectable ones, are permitted without restrictions.
Giving oneself permission to consume things that have been stigmatised as “bad” or “off-limits” is an important step in the healing process and can increase one’s sense of calm, assurance and independence when it comes to eating.
Eating for pleasure vs emotional eating
We’ve probably heard that emotional eating is unhealthy. Those who use food as a coping strategy for unpleasant emotions like stress, anger or despair usually engage in mindless eating and have a tense relationship with food.
Emotional eating and pleasure eating have different goals and outcomes.
The practice of using food to control both positive and negative emotions is known as emotional eating. Eating for pleasure is when a person chooses food to particularly appreciate its flavour, texture and experience. Examples include going out for an ice cream cone in the summer.
One more significant difference between these two behaviours is our emotional connection to food.
When people eat emotionally, there is usually (not always) a loss of connection or disassociation with the food.
A genuine connection to and sense of satisfaction from the meal are frequently felt when a person eats for pleasure.
Conclusion
Food can start to feel overwhelming and even anxiety-inducing while dealing with a chronic medical condition or the need to adjust the nutrition plan due to a food allergy.
We may regain the love of eating with a little imagination and hard work. Ensure to take time, enjoy your favourite foods, and incorporate some new dishes into the diet.
Talking to a healthcare professional is important when someone has trouble enjoying their food. One can quickly start enjoying the meals with a little guidance.
