Comfort Food

Comfort Food: food prepared in a traditional style having a usually nostalgic or sentimental appeal

Here are some definitions for the word "comfort" that I found on Merriam-Webster's website:

1 : strengthening aid:  a : assistance, support   b : consolation in time of trouble or worry : solace 
2 a : a feeling of relief or encouragement  b : contented well-being 
3 : a satisfying or enjoyable experience

While Nate and I were in Michigan, we ate at Vivio's in Indian River. Their pizza is always great, so of course we ate some when we dined there. During dinner, both my aunt and my dad exclaimed how the pizza is still exactly the way they always remembered it when they were younger. I don't have as many years to base my judgement, but I don't think it has ever changed since I've been consuming it either.

Vivio's pizza is a great comfort food, because not only is it satisfying but it has a sentimental appeal too. Knowing that some things never change can be incredibly comforting in an ever changing world. Even when the only thing that's constant is change... there are some things that never do change in life! Thank goodness for comfort foods that offer a feeling of comfort and safety when we need it most. Funny how the word comfort can be defined as "consolation in time of trouble or worry". Maybe that's why chocolate (or insert favorite comfort food here) is so great in times of need; it offers just what we need when we're troubled or worried.

The more you worry, the more comfort foods you need, then you gain weight... then more worrying and stressing over the weight, then more eating of comfort foods... it's a vicious cycle! So try not to live a stress filled life, and you'll need less comforting via food. But who can resist a great comfort food every once in a while?! Not me.