As the temperature cools and the days shorten, many individuals find themselves craving specific foods in October. A psychotherapist specializing in food psychology explains that these cravings are more about memory and emotion than mere hunger.
During autumn and winter, people often gravitate towards hearty meals like soups, casseroles, and roast dinners to stay warm and satisfied. However, according to Stelios Kiosses, a psychotherapist and culinary psychology course director at the University of Oxford, these cravings are also deeply psychological.
Kiosses suggests that cravings are not random but are intertwined with memory, mood, and our sense of self. He emphasizes that the desire for certain foods during autumn, such as soup, is not solely due to the cold weather but also the emotional connections we have with these foods.
Food, Kiosses explains, triggers memories and emotions, evoking feelings of joy and comfort associated with past experiences. The scents of spices cooking, the warmth of a fire, and the first taste of a hot dish after being outside in the cold all contribute to these cravings.
Our senses, particularly smell and taste, are closely linked to the limbic system in the brain, responsible for emotions and memories. When we consume certain foods, we are not just satisfying hunger but activating a complex emotional network.
As autumn progresses, many individuals crave traditional, comforting foods to align themselves with the season’s ambiance. Kiosses notes that food often symbolizes different aspects of life, such as celebration, relaxation, or personal transformation, and autumn eating reflects these shifts.
Understanding the reasons behind our food choices can help us select meals that match our desired emotional state. Kiosses encourages embracing the connection between food, social interactions, and self-awareness during the colder months, allowing for a deeper appreciation of the stories behind the dishes we enjoy.