Food as therapy

Ever been advised to go to a psychologist after a relationship went sour or maybe you were having a hard time because your business deal didn’t go through. OR any multitude of reasons that just made you feel bad. You needed change or advice to make your life different this time, make it better. According to me there is no better therapy than food, “MA ke hath ka khana” OR that big bowl of your favourite ice cream instantly puts you in a good mood. It’s not a mere coincidence.

Everybody responds to food in their own unique way. Everyone has good and bad circumstances with ingredients we use to cook. Some might say changing your diet can help you lose that extra pound like being vegan, where you give up an entire food group because it might not align with your values or simply because you are allergic to it. These are ways your body signals you how your choices are affecting it.

One day I was desperate to meet my EX and demand a much needed closure. It was either I moved on or he had something miserable happen to him. But such a hope was not doing anyone any good. After a short pause and long breath I decidedly did not put myself in that situation where both options were a NO-GO. And meanwhile my mom was pretty busy that day and did not have time to cook for me. So I decided to make my own simple soup. That warm bowl of exotic ingredients, the smell filling the whole house, instantly put me In a good mood. After the meal a small cry to make myself understand that life need not be any more complicated than making myself a hearty lunch. And thus the day went on without any thoughts of my past.

Recap
- Food can be a powerful emotional anchor—whether it's “Ma ke haath ka khana” or a bowl of ice cream, certain dishes evoke comfort, nostalgia, and healing.
- Diet choices reflect emotional states and personal values. For example, going vegan might be driven by ethics, health, or even emotional clarity.
- Cooking can be cathartic. In the author's personal story, making a simple soup during an emotionally turbulent moment helped shift her mindset and bring peace.
- Food rituals offer control and grounding. Preparing a meal, savoring its aroma, and enjoying it mindfully can be a form of self-care and emotional reset.

Why It Resonates
- The piece beautifully blends personal narrative with universal emotion, showing how food isn’t just fuel—it’s therapy, memory, and transformation.
- It encourages readers to listen to their bodies and emotions through their food choices, and to find healing in everyday acts like cooking.