THE NATION HAS VOTED FOR THE SINGLE GREATEST EVER COMFORT FOOD – AND IT’S NOT FISH AND CHIPS, OR A SUNDAY ROAST
Researchers asked Britons to vote for the 20 best ever comfort foods – and the full English breakfast, roast beef and Yorkshire Puddings and fish and chips did NOT secure the top spot.
Half of Brits (51 percent) admit they turn to food for comfort, when feeling down or emotional, according to a new study.
Respondents were asked to vote for the foods they turn to most when they need cheering up, with a juicy cheeseburger with chips (32 percent), crispy fried chicken (25 percent) and a rare steak with frites (22 percent) emerging as some of the top choices.
Yet it was the Italian born PIZZA, with its doughy base and bubbling melted cheese topping, which was voted the ULTIMATE in comfort, according to a resounding 46 percent of the 2,000 Britons surveyed.
Other foods we feel instantly comforted by, include cheesecake (22 percent), bacon sandwiches with ketchup (19 percent), home-made lasagne (17 percent) and hot apple crumble with custard (18 percent), according to the study by clean supplements brand Garden of Life.
Yet, according to Lily Soutter, Nutritionist BSc MSc ANutr, who worked on the study, while these foods may provide instant gratification and comfort, they could actually make us feel UNHAPPIER, after eating them.
Lily explains that “these typically beige meals often come in large portion sizes and are high in fat, refined carbohydrates and salt, which may lead to the common post-meal slump and uncomfortable bloating. They also lack the same brain-friendly nutrients and fibre found in wholefoods.”
According to the research from Garden of Life, the HAPPIEST meals contain foods which naturally boost our mood and keep us feeling happy and satisfied for hours after we eat them, such as grilled chicken with crunchy cabbage and hummus in a wholemeal pitta, or steamed salmon with roasted vegetables and herbed potatoes.
Despite often picking the wrong foods, three quarters of Brits (75 percent) agree that they give them an initial mood boost, with half (50 percent) admitting that food is one of the first things they turn to when feeling down.
Yet six in ten (59 percent) confess that they feel more miserable than they did before once they’ve finished eating.
With Brits often opting for less nourishing snacks, Lily suggests trying alternative foods such as bananas, live yoghurt, potato, almonds and dark chocolate to help feel your best – inside and out.
“Nutrition plays a powerful role in emotional wellbeing. Simple swaps – like adopting a Mediterranean diet alongside managing our stress and improving sleep – can have a profound impact on improving our mood.”
“Other ways to support your emotional wellbeing through diet and lifestyle include incorporating more gut-friendly foods, staying hydrated, practicing mindful eating and embracing the power of supplements.
Zoe Cooper, Innovation Manager at Garden of Life, added: “Our research shows that mood significantly impacts eating habits, with lasting effects on both body and mind. Stress and poor sleep are key factors, making it essential to support emotional wellbeing through mindful eating, gut-friendly foods, stress management, hydration, and regular exercise.”
1. Pizza – 46%
2. Fish and chips from the chip shop – 42%
3. A juicy cheeseburger and chips – 32%
4. A bucket of crispy fried chicken – 25%
5. A rare steak with frites – 22%
6. A full English breakfast – 22%
7. Roast beef and Yorkshire Puddings – 21%
8. Cheesecake – 22%
9. A Turkish kebab with chilli sauce – 21%
10. Chicken Tikka Masala – 20%
11. A bacon sandwich with ketchup – 19%
12. Homemade spaghetti Bolognese – 18%
13. Warm apple crumble and custard – 18%
14. Homemade lasagne – 17%
15. Sausage, mash and onion gravy – 15%
16. Cheese on toast – 14%
17. Mac and cheese – 14%
18. A baked potato with melted cheese and baked beans – 14%
19. Chicken nuggets and chips – 14%
20. Sticky toffee pudding – 13%
THE TOP TEN MEALS WHICH WILL MAKE YOU HAPPY, ACCORDING TO NUTRITIONIST LILY SOUTTER
1. Grilled chicken with crunchy cabbage, hummus in wholemeal pitta
2. Steamed salmon with roasted vegetables and herbed potatoes
3. Mediterranean egg shakshuka with wholegrain toast
4. Banana dipped in almond butter
5. Live yoghurt with berries and milled flaxseeds
6. Baked potato topped with lean chilli mince
7. Handful of almonds with dried apricots
8. Lentil moussaka with greens
9. Tofu and bell pepper kebabs with wholegrain couscous
10. Dark chocolate covered strawberries