Summary of the Core Content
This article begins with the story of Chef Xu Fu from the movie "Welcome to Long Restaurant," who uses food to comfort himself and others during a war. From a psychological perspective, it explains how food can serve as a "anchor" for healing after trauma: from evoking a sense of security, rebuilding daily routines, stabilizing the mind and body, to nurturing oneself and connecting with others. It emphasizes that the simple act of eating well holds a powerful capacity to counteract the effects of trauma.
Detailed Analysis
1. Food as an Inherent "Security Code"
In the movie, Xu Fu's restaurant becomes a haven after the war, where a bowl of hot food helps people temporarily forget their fears. This is not coincidental. From a psychological standpoint, being fed is one of our earliest experiences of security: the temperature and taste of food from our mothers when we were young become subconscious "safety signals." For example, when people feel stressed, they might crave dumplings, or miss the steamed eggs from home while abroad. These familiar foods bypass reason and directly trigger warm memories (just like how the smell of braised pork reminds someone of their childhood), instantly making them feel cared for and safe. This phenomenon is known in psychology as the "Proustian effect"—the taste of food helps us regain a lost sense of security.
2. Eating as a Way to Rebuild Daily Routines
The most terrifying aspect of trauma is the disruption of daily life: loss of appetite, insomnia, and a feeling of complete control. However, in the movie, Xu Fu plans the meals for the next day right after the death of his partner. In real life, a mother's consistent provision of three meals a day can help someone recover after a breakup. Why? Because eating is a fundamental daily ritual. No matter how chaotic the outside world is, being able to eat on time indicates that life is continuing. Just as the friend in the movie cried upon tasting the mother's stewed pork ribs, it's not because the food was particularly delicious, but because they realized they could once again experience taste, signaling the stabilization of their inner chaos. Eating, in this way, acts as a thread that gradually brings life back on track.
3. Eating Well Helps the Body Stabilize
The mind and body are interconnected; only when the body is stable can emotions begin to heal. Studies have shown that people with depression who consume more whole grains and fruits and vegetables and less sugar and oil experience reduced symptoms. There's also the "gut-brain axis"—the gut and brain are connected, and what we eat affects the bacteria in our intestines, which in turn affect our mood. For instance, a bad stomach can cause irritability. Even eating a simple, hot meal can help the nervous system move from a "fight-or-flight" state, laying the foundation for emotional recovery.
4. Cooking and Feeding Oneself as a Form of Self-Help
Xu Fu continues to cook in prison and at the terrorist school because the only things he can control are the ingredients and the kitchen tools. The act of cooking itself is therapeutic: chopping, stirring, seasoning—each step provides immediate feedback (like the smell of a cooked dish). This sense of accomplishment helps us regain a sense of control over our lives. Even cooking an egg or a stir-fry can make us feel capable of taking care of ourselves. During tough times, there's no need for perfection; just consuming something warm and nourishing is a form of self-care.
5. Food as a Bridge to Connect Love
In the movie, Xu Fu distributes food to orphans, and the wedding and Christmas gatherings are filled with laughter. Food is never a solitary activity; eating together makes people more relaxed and open. Studies support this, showing that those who eat regularly with others are happier and more trusting. Don't reject a bowl of hot soup offered by someone during tough times, and don't be afraid to invite friends over for a meal. The love inherent in food can help us overcome feelings of isolation.
Conclusion
The article concludes by mentioning that after returning home, Xu Fu chooses to cook for his family, and his apprentice Seif opens a restaurant. After trauma, we can choose to live in hatred or to return to the love of daily life. Eating well isn't a panacea, but it is a starting point for healing. As long as we can still enjoy a meal, there's hope for the future. If the trauma is severe, seek professional help, but don't overlook the power of these simple, everyday acts.
(Note: Food cannot replace professional treatment; if necessary, consult a psychologist or doctor.)