Thoughtful musings on journaling, self-care, and the art of being you.
I don’t know about you but Fall is - by far - my favorite season. Ahhh, the crisp air, beautiful colorful foliage, cozy hoodies and APPLES! No…not just apples CARAMEL APPLES (with nuts, duh!). During this time of the year, all of the comfy, feel good vibes come rushing in but so does something else, CRAVINGS! Like clockwork, my cravings for hearty, delicious comfort foods sets in. I’m talking Grandma’s rice pudding, a nice steaming bowl of gumbo or that cheesy gooey mac & cheese that everyone loves. But why? What is it about this transition from summer to fall that sends us running toward these cozy - oh so comforting - foods? You may think its just nostalgia or habit, but it's actually part emotional, part biological and wholly human.
The Connection Between Food and Comfort
Did you know that comfort foods—with all of the flavors and smells that fills your kitchen with warmth—carry emotional weight. They provide emotional comfort during a season of transition. Autumn asks us to let go, just like the trees release their leaves. When autumn arrives , the days grow shorter, and our bodies actually go through real changes. For many of us, all change feels unsettling, even when its natural. Less sunlight means our serotonin levels can dip, and reaching for familiar, comforting flavors and smells can not only remind us of safety, home, and care, but can also trigger the release of serotonin and dopamine—our “feel-good” neurotransmitters—which help us feel grounded and calm.
Comfort Food as Self-Care
Here's something important to remember: choosing comfort food can absolutely be an act of self-care. We live in a world that often tells us restriction equals wellness, but true self-care is about listening to what your body and soul actually need. There’s a fine line between using food as comfort and using it as avoidance. True self-care means allowing yourself to enjoy what feels good and tuning in to what your body truly needs. Instead of regarding comfort food as “bad”, and avoiding it at all costs, think of it as a form of gentle nourishment. Cozy meals can be grounding rituals when paired with mindfulness. It's not just food for the body; it’s food for the soul. So, stop thinking of it as weakness or lack of willpower, but rather as a gentle way of grounding ourselves during the shift. It's your body's brilliant way of trying to take care of you.
Here are a few ways to make comfort food part of your self-care routine:
Cook with intention.
Stir the soup slowly. Smell the spices. Let cooking be a meditation.
Add balance.
Pair your mac and cheese with roasted vegetables or a crisp salad.
Create atmosphere.
Light a candle, play your favorite playlist, and eat at the table instead of scrolling through your phone.
Practice gratitude.
Before you take the first bite, take a breath and thank your higher power for the means and ability to prepare the meal and thank yourself for showing up.
Your Autumn Invitation
So, my friend, as the leaves change and the air turns crisp, I invite you to embrace your comfort food cravings with open arms and zero guilt. Let that first sip of hot cocoa be a ritual. Make Sunday soup-making a meditation. Bake those cookies that smell like childhood. Your body knows what it needs. Sometimes it needs a green smoothie and a morning run. Sometimes it needs chili with cornbread and permission to rest. Both are self-care. Both are valid. Both are you taking care of yourself in exactly the way you need.
This autumn, may your comfort foods bring you actual comfort. May they warm your body, nourish your soul, and remind you that taking care of yourself can be delicious, cozy, and exactly what you need.
What comfort foods are calling your name this season? Trust that craving. Honor it. And enjoy every warming, wonderful bite.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
What's your favorite autumn comfort food? I'd love to hear what brings you coziness this season! Share in the comments below.
