A survey conducted by OnePoll commissioned by Clarence Court has shown that as the clocks go back, the nights draw in and the weather turns, 40% of Brits are opting for nostalgic and comforting meals, with the average adult doing so twice a week.
And stress will also see us heading into the kitchen. While nearly half of the public admit to feeling more anxious now than five years ago and women (51%) more concerned about the issues of the day than men (35%), a comforting home-cooked meal has been voted a better stress-buster than nostalgic TV, colouring books, playing with children or pets and going for a run.
The survey also revealed the top 20 most popular comforting meals, with eggs featuring in almost a third of dishes. Perhaps unsurprising as 94% want something simple and quick to put together, while more than two thirds choose something which reminds them of their childhood when seeking reassurance.
Psychotherapist, Christine Webber explains: “Simple meals which transport us back to childhood can really cheer us up, and help remind us of less complicated times. We are leading increasingly stressful lives, so it’s vital for us to access some comfort when we need it – and what better way to find it than by cooking and eating something simple that Mum used to make. For me, scrambled eggs on buttery toast invariably do the trick!’
Adrian Gott, Managing Director of Clarence Court says: “Today we’re more focussed than ever on health and wellbeing, but that doesn’t mean we don’t crave a comforting meal reminiscent of our childhood. Eggs provide the perfect solution, as they’re both high in protein but also easy to prepare– with dippy eggs and soldiers a national favourite. With their signature deep, golden yolks and superior flavour, Clarence Court eggs are the perfect comfort food that nourishes the body as well as the soul. I like to think it’s comfort food reinvented for the wellness generation.”
Eggs aren’t the only ingredient to help combat the cold dark winter nights:
Top 20 comfort meals as voted by the British public:
- Pizza
- Fish and Chips
- Bacon sandwich
- Full English breakfast
- Burger and chips
- Roast dinner
- Beans on toast
- Bangers and mash
- Pasta dish
- Scrambled eggs on toast
- Macaroni cheese
- Shephard’s/Cottage pie
- Beef stew and dumplings
- Dippy eggs and soldiers
- Jacket potato
- Ham egg and chips
- Toad in the hole
- Egg mayonnaise sandwich
- Poached egg and avocado on toast
- Curry
Top 10 reasons for turning to comfort food as voted by the British public:
- Feeling stressed
- Feeling sad or down
- When the weather is cold or rainy
- Feeling worried or anxious
- Tiredness
- Illness
- After a bad day at work
- Money worries
- When feeling nostalgic
- After an argument with partner
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