Parenting: sugar & psychological security

Fast food for thought.

A life-long emotional connection to food often originates during early childhood when sensory stimulating food sources are commonly used for non-nutritional reasons...

Despite studies suggesting a direct link between sugar and dopamine (a 'feel good' chemical that's said to be triggered by the consumption of sugary food sources), the pleasure that palatable foods promote is much more likely to stem from a psychological association developed during early childhood, as opposed to the rapid release of a specific chemical/s - an excellent example of this can be seen in emotional eaters who have developed the psychological perception that palatable food sources promote a sense of security, be it based on comfort and/or control, as a result of being given sweets to soothe or suppress their sadness during childhood.

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