Comfort food, why men and women are so different in what they choose

So did you know that men and women even differ in what comfort foods they prefer?

As most of our preferences can be conditioned at a young age, this might be that different types of experiences of men and women cause them to have different comfort food preferences.  Food connotations from childhood can create strong ties with lifelong eating habits.  In a research paper they found that if adult males are accustomed to having meals prepared for them, they may develop stronger preferences for hot or prepared foods as comfort foods.  When a male thinks of prepared food he thinks of someone caring for him, bringing comfort.  On the other hand, adult females may  not be accustomed to having food prepared for them, perhaps because they may have been encouraged to be the food preparers.  When a female thinks of prepared meals they think of work. 

If you look at what the female’s choice is it is one of convenience and less preparation such as chocolates.  In one study on “chocolate addiction” showed that 92% of the self-selected “addicts” were female.

Trends have been changing in this new generation, as convenience foods have been introduced as main meals in busy households.  If we look at young people their preference of comfort food is salt and sugar dense foods, the burger etc.

Does this tendency of needing comfort food go back to how food is used as a tool in our homes?

Food is the reward – “if you get an A on your test we’ll go out for ice cream.”

Food as guilt – “Clean your plate, children are starving in Africa.”

Food as punishment – “Finish your vegetables or you can’t watch TV.”

Food as comfort – “Eat this pudding it will make you feel better.”