Almost everyone can readily respond to the question, ‘what’s your favorite food?’. This is hardly surprising, as humans are inherently programmed to find joy in food. In fact, for many individuals, indulging in meals is considered one of life’s greatest pleasures! Beyond merely transforming mealtimes into delightful experiences, deriving pleasure from food brings substantial advantages for overall health. Enjoying food enhances digestion, fosters a healthier relationship with meals, aids in overcoming disordered eating habits, and much more.

In certain instances, ensuring you receive enough of what could be termed “vitamin P” (or perhaps even vitamin mmmm) is just as crucial as the nutritional content of your plate. Continue reading to explore the scrumptious reasons why pleasure is essential when it comes to food.

The Psychology Behind Eating for Pleasure

For many years, scientists have delved into the fascinating realm of the psychology associated with eating for pleasure, uncovering findings that are both compelling and largely positive. The enjoyment we derive from food is primarily experienced in both our mouths and our brains. As Aleta Storch, a therapist, dietitian, and Certified Body Trust provider at Wise Heart Nutrition and Wellness, explains, “The pleasure from any source, including food, triggers the release of dopamine in our brains.”

This neurotransmitter is often dubbed the ‘feel-good hormone’ because it activates the reward pathways in our brains, fostering feelings of happiness, calmness, motivation, and concentration. It is noteworthy that research indicates individuals with obesity may experience disrupted dopamine sensitivity, which can lead to overeating in an attempt to achieve the desired pleasure from food. However, when our brain chemistry functions optimally, the joy we find in food can yield significant physical benefits. According to Storch, “When we truly enjoy the meals we consume and stimulate dopamine release, we enhance our digestion and metabolism.” She further explains, “When we feel relaxed during a pleasurable eating experience, our nervous system activates the rest and digest mode, enabling us to effectively break down and absorb the vital nutrients from our meals.”

Interestingly, eating for pleasure can also support healthier dietary choices. A comprehensive examination of 119 studies regarding the correlation between food enjoyment and a nutritious diet revealed that 57% of these studies identified positive relationships between eating pleasure and dietary outcomes. For instance, some studies have linked increased enjoyment of food with improved nutritional status while others have highlighted the importance of finding pleasure in healthy foods to foster a nourishing and balanced diet.

As Sarah Gold Anzlovar, a dietitian and certified intuitive eating counselor, notes, “There’s a common misconception that ‘healthy’ food must be tasteless or uninspiring, but that simply isn’t the case.” She adds, “When we consume foods we genuinely enjoy, our satisfaction levels rise, which can enhance diet quality and decrease the likelihood of overeating or engaging in binge episodes.”

The Emotional Nourishment of Our Culinary Choices

Mealtimes can be incredibly dull if we perceive food merely as a source of energy. The act of eating encompasses a vast array of human experiences, from uniting us with family and friends to linking us to our rich cultural backgrounds. In essence, food serves as both emotional and physical sustenance. Below are various ways in which relishing food can nourish your spirit.

Food Enjoyment Enhances Social Connections

What would a celebration or family get-together be without delightful snacks to share? As individuals bond over shared meals, it often leads to a heightened sense of joy, as evidenced by research conducted within Thai social circles.

Food Enjoyment Provides Physical and Emotional Comfort

Whether it's a warm bowl of chicken soup during illness, a comforting pasta dish reminiscent of your grandmother, or a beloved dessert that never fails to satisfy, certain foods have the remarkable ability to uplift our spirits and soothe our bodies. “At times, food serves as solace after a tough day, which many may label as negative emotional eating,” explains Anzlovar. “However, when we allow ourselves to fully engage with and enjoy our meals, we unlock a multitude of benefits.”

Food Enjoyment Liberates Us from Diet Culture

Diet culture can be defined in various ways, but one common aspect is the notion that we must forgo the foods we cherish, particularly those rich in calories or fats. Choosing to savor what you eat mindfully can help dismantle this detrimental mindset.

“When we permit ourselves to enjoy all foods—especially the most delectable ones—our bodies learn to trust that they will receive what they truly need,” Storch notes. “Granting permission for foods that have been stigmatized as ‘bad’ or ‘off-limits’ is a crucial step in the healing journey, fostering a sense of peace, confidence, and freedom around food.”

Food Enjoyment Connects Us to Our Cultural Heritage

Research has long shown that a sense of belonging is essential for mental well-being. What better way to experience this sense of belonging than through our family traditions or cultural heritage? This is where the joy of food plays a significant part.

“Culture and tradition provide a means of connection with ourselves and others,” states Storch. “Denying or restricting foods that foster these connections can lead to feelings of isolation and disconnection. By excluding cultural foods, we imply that not only is the food ‘bad,’ but also the identity associated with it is ‘bad.’” Embracing these traditional foods can ultimately foster a profound sense of freedom and belonging that enhances your mental health.

Understanding the Difference: Eating for Pleasure vs. Emotional Eating

It’s well-known that emotional eating is not the healthiest approach to managing feelings. Turning to food as a means to cope with challenging emotions such as stress, anger, or sadness can lead to mindless consumption and foster a complicated relationship with food. However, it’s entirely reasonable to feel apprehensive about the concept of eating for enjoyment. Fortunately, there are clear differences between emotional eating and eating for pleasure, particularly regarding their intentions and outcomes.

According to Anzlovar, “Emotional eating occurs when individuals use food as a coping mechanism for both positive and negative emotions.” In contrast, eating for pleasure involves consciously selecting food to savor its flavor, texture, and overall experience—like indulging in a delightful ice cream cone during a warm summer day or enjoying a crisp apple (seb) freshly picked from an orchard. A significant distinction between these two behaviors lies in the connection you establish with your food. “Often, though not universally, emotional eaters experience a sense of disconnection from their food,” Anzlovar elaborates. “Conversely, when one eats for pleasure, there is typically a genuine connection and enjoyment derived from the food.”

It is important to note that the boundary between emotional eating and eating for enjoyment is not always clearly defined; at times, the two can intersect. A useful way to discern which behavior you are engaging in is by reflecting on how you feel afterward. Mindfully enjoying your food is unlikely to leave you with feelings of guilt or shame. If you find yourself or someone close to you grappling with an eating disorder or are concerned about the potential for one to develop, it is crucial to seek assistance from a qualified professional promptly. You can begin by visiting the National Eating Disorders Association’s Help and Support page, which provides a screening tool, hotline, and a database of providers.

Pleasure + nourishment: a perfect harmony

There are few experiences in life that can rival the sheer joy of relishing food. The meals we enjoy not only nourish our bodies but also lift our spirits and delight our taste buds. To enhance the pleasure at your dining table, consider making small adjustments. “When preparing a meal or snack, think about how you could increase its enjoyment by even 10 percent,” suggests Storch. “Simple actions like warming up a brownie, adding some goat cheese (chevre) to a salad, or incorporating a splash more milk into your oatmeal can transform an ordinary eating experience from ‘meh’ to ‘absolutely delightful’!” After finishing your meal, take a moment to reflect: How much joy did your food bring you? What positive emotions arose from the connection you felt with the items on your plate? Keeping mental notes of these experiences can guide you toward making future food choices that are even more satisfying.