Anxious Nation May Turn to Unhealthy Eating Habits, Experts Warn

American Institute for Cancer Research
Friday, 21 March 2003

Free Brochure Shows How to Make America's Favorite "Comfort Foods" Healthier

Health experts at the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) are concerned that the millions of Americans anxiously watching around-the-clock news reports on the war in Iraq and its aftermath may turn to unhealthy foods. That's why AICR is offering a free brochure showing people how to enjoy their traditional favorites more healthfully.

In times of worry, Americans have historically turned to so-called "comfort foods," which are generally high in fat and calories and low in the nutrients and natural substances that protect against diseases like cancer and heart disease.

An AICR survey conducted 2 months after the 9/11 attacks in New York and Washington, for example, showed that almost 20 percent of Americans found themselves eating more "comfort foods" like mashed potatoes and gravy, fried chicken and macaroni and cheese.

"It's exactly the response you expect to see," said Dr. John Foreyt, of the Behavioral Medicine Center at Houston's Baylor College of Medicine, who studies how emotional responses impact patterns of food consumption. "When we are anxious or fearful, we fall back to foods we associate with times of lowest stress - that is, with childhood."

Melanie Polk, RD, who is Director of Nutrition Education at AICR, agrees. "We've seen this pattern before," she said. "That's why we've prepared some simple strategies that make foods like beef stew, mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese and even chocolate chip cookies more healthy, without sacrificing the flavors and textures people yearn for."

These strategies, along with several other recipes, are featured in AICR's "Comfort Foods" brochure. A single copy can be ordered free of charge by calling 1-800-843-8114 ext. 65, between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday, or by writing to the AICR Publications Department, 1759 R Street, NW, Washington DC, 20009.

For more information, or to contact American Institute for Cancer Research, see their website at: www.aicr.org