Why do people find fatty or sugary foods comforting? I mean, what is it in these types of foods that causes the body / mind to see this type of food as comforting or pleasurable? Surely from the point of view of the body, it prefers foods that are high in nutrients — so why do people who turn to food for comfort always turn to fatty or sugary foods that don't offer the body anything? just wondering??? and I hope that made sense because I'm sorry it's quite badly worded!

In attempting to preserve lean body mass, what is the relationship of body composition to caloric need: Is it true that no matter how lean a person is, the same amount of calories is needed to preserve lean body mass or the leaner a person is, the more calories are needed to preserve lean body mass? Which one is true? And thank you.

Why is margarine better than butter when margarine is just oil that is hydrogenated, which means that extra hydrogen atoms are added to oil (liquid) to make it firm? If oil is hydrogenated into butter, there would be no difference between butter and margarine because they would both be saturated fats with single bonds and the same number of hydrogen atoms. Is margarine really better than butter?

How can you tell when you're full? I am not over-weight, but I tend to over-eat. How can I know when to stop?

1) Is it better to eat before or after exercising? I've recently started a fitness program and am not sure which way is the best.

2) Is it bad to eat before you have practice or a game in basketball?