"Everyone at my job has been working fewer hours every week. When it stresses me out, I find myself turning to comfort food just to eat," said Grant.
With the economy on a downward spiral the solution for many, is to eat.
Pasta, ice cream, pastry -- we usually tend to seek out foods that are high in fat. And while we might joke about it or even feel guilty, Dr. Terry Eagan says its actually human instinct.
"Many people are looking for the fastest way to change the way they feel. Many people, if not most people, have found that food is the way to do that," said Dr. Eagan.
"Mash potatoes, gravy and steaks, I like things like that," said Michael Warga.
Dr. Eagan says part of it is the chemical process in our brain when carbs are consumed. Elevated brain chemicals, like serotonin, reduce anxiousness along with boosting memory recall associated with calmer times. So it is actually okay to consume these foods with a few guidelines.
"We talk a lot about the mindful experience of eating which is tasting the food. Don't just eat it so quickly that you don't even realize that you've been satisfied. Enjoy each bite as you go along," said Dr. Eagan.
Don't bring the skillet to the table. Get a reasonable portion then sit down to eat.
Putting your fork down in between bites is also advised, along with socializing with friends or family.
"And then be less likely to have all the noise later about guilt and shame and 'I shouldn't have done that,'" said Dr. Eagan.
And if a binge happens to occur, Dr. Eagan says pass on guilt and avoid drastic dieting.
"We don't want people to get into a pattern of restriction. Because then, 'I'm not eating anything for a week.' That's just a set up to become over hungry and to do it again next time," said Dr. Eagan.
Making changes to high calorie comfort food also helps.
At Michaels in Naples, chef Mathew Poley recommends swapping butter for olive oil, using low fat dairy to reduce cholesterol and saturated fat in macaroni and cheese for example.
He also makes fruit cobbler which has no added sugar and no crust -- just a crumbly topping which cuts sugar and calories as well.
Web Extra Information: Michaels on Naples Recipes
Paccherri and Cheese/ Macaroni and Cheese
Serves Family of 4
$2.60 per person
1 box of Semolina dry pasta ($2)
1 qt whole milk ($1)
1 cup shredded whole milk mozzarella cheese (8oz) ($2)
1 cup shredded whole milk cheddar cheese(8oz) ($2)
1 cup Parmigiano Reggiano ($2)
3 tablespoons sweet cream butter ( $.50)
3 oz AP flour ($.01)
2 cloves of garlic chopped ($.25)
1 white onion diced ($.50)
Sea salt and black pepper to Taste
In a medium saucepot cook butter until melted and lightly browned, add onions and garlic and season with one pinch of salt and pepper. Cook on medium heat until soft and add flour.
When the flour is cooked through, pour in milk and whisk it until it comes to a boil. When the milk has come to a boil it will thicken, remove from heat and slowly whisk in mozzarella and Parmigiano Reggiano cheeses one at a time.
In a heavily salted pot of boiling water, add your pasta and cook until al dente, or soft to the bite, strain from the water and add the hot pasta to your cheese sauce mixture. Stir with wooden spoon and add cheddar cheese to finish.
Transfer macaroni and cheese to your serving dish and garnish with fresh from the garden herbs.
Comfort Food Dessert:
Apple Blackberry Cobbler
Serves a Family of Four
$2.50 per person
FRUIT:
2 lbs apples (Combination of Granny Smith & Braburn or Gala), peeled,
chopped and sliced
1 c blackberries
1 lemon, zest & juice
¼ c light brown sugar
2 T white sugar
1/8- ¼ c flour
1 t cinnamon
½ t nutmeg
pinch salt
2 T Brandy (optional)
TOPPING:
1 stick (4 oz) butter
¼ c light brown sugar
¼ c white sugar
1 vanilla bean, scraped (optional)
1 ¾ c flour
½ t baking powder
Pinch salt
1 T chopped, crystallized ginger (optional) ¼ c milk or cream ½ c nuts (optional)
Cream the butter until light and fluffy. Add sugars and vanilla pulp.
Sift dries. Add chopped ginger. Add half dries to butter. Mix until combined. Add half the liquid. Add remaining flour and then just enough liquid to make a crumbly texture.
Drop roughly on fruit.
Bake 350 until light brown. About 45 minutes.
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