Is there a good scientific explanation for the euphoria you feel after a great meal?

[Tommy_Carcetti]

I just had lunch at a BBQ place I hadn't been to in over a year.

I used to work right by it and went every month or two, but since I started working at my new job I rarely get to go there.

It's an extremely simple, no thrills place. Basically it's a greasy spoon type of atmosphere. The place looks like it hasn't changed since the 1970s. It has an incredible smoky smell to it as you walk towards the building.

Their BBQ pork sandwiches are incredibly simple--just chopped pork on a hamburger bun, that's it. Their sauce is thin and not sweet, which I usually prefer some sweetness to the sauce.

But damn, is it ever good. So good. So incredibly good.

I had to drive a half hour to get back to my office but I'm not joking, the "high" I got from having that pork sandwich for the first time in a long time was incredible.

Have scientists ever studied this? Because there's been multiple times where after eating a great meal, I feel absolutely euphoric, and I'm not exaggerating.

[OhZone]

1. A good meal is Oh-k -

But I prefer the endorphines from working out to good music.

[Tommy_Carcetti]

2. I love a good endorphine rush as well.

I get those sometimes after a satisfying lap swim.

Good way to work off the BBQ pork sandwiches.

[hlthe2b]

3. Maybe Serotonin release from the carbs (assuming you ate some carbs in addition to BBQ)

Science can tell us about chocolate and there may be some cross-over:

Eating chocolate increases the levels of endorphins released into the brain, giving credence to the claim that chocolate is a comfort food. The endorphins work to lessen pain and decrease stress (2). Another common neurotransmitter affected by chocolate is serotonin. Serotonin is known as an anti-depressant.

I sure wish I had some chocolate now. LOL

[Cirque du So-What]

4. It's primeval

Food = survival

An unfortunate modern outgrowth is obesity, made possible by access to large quantities of food.

[Donkees]

5. Tyrosine levels

[Upthevibe]

6. I don't know about the science behind it but man,

you sure have me craving some good bar-be-que! I've lived in California most of my adult life but was born and raised in Texas. I have NEVER found bar-be-que out here or in any other state that can compare to Texas.