Understanding Comfort Food Choices: A Monitoring and Evaluation Approach

Have you ever stopped to think about what comfort food means?

Recently, while chatting with a friend, we found ourselves discussing comfort foods. We often use this term casually, saying things like "ice cream is my comfort food" or "I find comfort in pasta." But have we ever taken a moment to dive deeper and explore what it is in these "comfort foods" that truly bring us solace? Is it the sweet and cold sensation of ice cream that comforts us, or is it the calming feeling it imparts after a long day or a heated argument? What emotions do comfort foods evoke, and what do we seek when reaching for them? According to Julie Locher, comfort food is any type of food that individuals turn to during times of stress, specifically one that evokes positive emotions and is associated with meaningful social relationships. These foods often act as a source of comfort and solace, providing a sense of connection to past experiences and loved ones.

For me, the ultimate comfort food has always been African yam, whether fried or boiled. It's my go-to in both challenging times and moments of celebration. I decided to embark on a somewhat unconventional journey of self-discovery by closely monitoring my consumption of yam over time. Some might find this approach a tad over-the-top, but as someone deeply engrossed in research, program evaluation, and data analysis, it's only natural for me to apply this lens to my life. Those who know me well understand that I approach most things in this analytical manner.

Yearning for Home: Yam as a Comfort Connection

Returning to my story, my investigation revealed that I gravitated toward yam, particularly when I missed my parents and siblings. It may sound strange, but certain foods have the remarkable ability to serve as a link to our childhood or our home. I've found that I indulge in yam not because it's the most delicious or readily available option but because of the emotions it stirs within me—a nostalgic remembrance of who I am and where I come from. It's an ode to the bonds of my family during my childhood, the whispered secrets shared with my sisters, the knowing glances of "I see you," and the provision of a single father who selflessly gave everything to his daughters.

Understanding My Cravings: The Emotional Triggers Behind Yam Consumption

As I delved further into this exploration, I realized that I craved yam more than ever during my pregnancies, perhaps because I missed my mother. Presently, I find myself consuming copious amounts of yam as I navigate a phase of life where I wish my late father were here with his wisdom, faith, warmth, and heart to guide me through unprecedented challenges.

From Data to Self-Awareness: Lessons Learned

It's remarkable how food can heal the physical body, heart, and soul. Food speaks to us; it provides comfort, courage, nostalgia, and a connection to our heritage. It's more than just sustenance; it's a storyteller, narrating our history and creating the potential for future memories. So, take your time with it the next time you sit down to enjoy a meal. Engage with your food, let it speak to you, and tell your unique story.

MEL in Action

Monitoring Emotions: In both the realm of data and food, monitoring is about paying attention. In this case, I monitored what I ate and why and when I consumed yam. It allowed me to track my emotions and identify patterns. As in program monitoring, understanding the emotions behind our choices is crucial to making informed decisions.

Evaluating Triggers: In evaluation, we assess the impact of our actions. Similarly, I gained valuable insights into my emotional landscape by evaluating the triggers that led me to reach for yam. I realized that yam was more than just a meal; it was a bridge to my past, a connection to my family, and a source of comfort during difficult times.

Learning and Self-Reflection: Monitoring and evaluation often lead to learning and self-improvement. Through my comfort food journey, I learned about my emotions and the profound role that food plays in our lives. It made me appreciate the importance of self-reflection and understanding the "why" behind our actions.

Just as we strive to improve programs by learning from data, exploring comfort food taught me the importance of being mindful of our choices and understanding their deeper meaning. It's a reminder that every aspect of our lives, even the seemingly ordinary, can be a source of learning and personal growth.

So, whether in data and analytics or food and emotions, monitoring, evaluation, and learning are powerful tools for understanding ourselves and the world around us. By applying these principles to our everyday experiences, we can uncover new layers of meaning and find opportunities for growth and self-discovery.

As I continue my journey of introspection through comfort food, I encourage you to do the same in your personal and professional life. You might be surprised at the insights you uncover and how monitoring, evaluation, and learning can enrich your understanding of the world.

As Jonathan Safran Foer eloquently states, "Food is not rational. Food is culture, habit, craving, and identity." Our journey through comfort food reveals a tapestry woven from personal experiences, emotions, and cultural connections. But the lessons learned extend far beyond the kitchen. The basic principles of monitoring, evaluation, and learning, when applied to our daily lives, offer a powerful lens for self-discovery and growth. So, I encourage you to embark on your exploration, savor the experience, and discover the hidden stories that whisper to your soul.

With Love

Andrea (Kashie)

References

Locher, J. L. 2002. “Comfort Food.” In S. Katz (ed.). Encyclopedia of Food and Culture. New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons.