Comfort foods usually mean 'bad for you' and yet they're the ones that are most delicious. Cheese, cream, butter, oil and heart-warming carbs are just what you need on those really cold days or when you need a pick-me-up.
As we get older, health should start to become a priority and comfort foods become an atomic bombs. We know about many of the obviously harmful foods that bring us temporary joy and long-term discomfort, but there other lesser known ones out there that we should be aware of as well. Here are some of the comfort foods that we should take care to avoid.
Chocolate
There are trace amounts of caffeine present in chocolate to trigger heartburn symptoms and because it is a diuretic, you end up with looser stools. When you do have a craving for chocolate, choose dark chocolate with at least 60% cocoa content because it contains polyphenols, which can slow GI function.
Processed foods
Pop, lunch meats, white flour and potato chips can all increase your risk of diabetes type II as well as cause bloating, cramping and other intestinal problems. If you're not able to cut these from your diet, then be sure to combine them with lean protein and healthy fats to help aid their digestion.
Artificial sweetener
People opt for this as a way to cut calories but they contain partially digested sugars, which promote gas and diarrhea. It is better to choose natural sweeteners such as honey, agave nectar or stevia.
Fresh fruit and vegetables
Despite reports that fruits and veggies are the best additions to the diet, some people have trouble digesting raw fruits and vegetables. They contain a lot of insoluble fiber which can cause intestinal upset, so cooking them may be the best way to allow for easier digestion.
Coffee
People use it for energy daily, but caffeine is your GI tract’s worse enemy. It may stimulate the mind but it also stimulates your stomach acid, which increases inflammation and heartburn.
Jasmine Browley holds an MA in journalism from Columbia College Chicago, and has contributed to Ebony, Jet and MADE Magazine among others. So, clearly, she knows some stuff. Follow her digital journey @JasmineBrowley.
