What's your eating personality?

4. The Country Mouse
Like Aesop's comfort-loving rodent of simple and traditional tastes, the Country Mouse prefers feel-good puddings, buttery mashed potatoes, peanut butter sandwiches and macaroni-and-cheese over more adventuresome samplings. Some comfort-food seekers may feel overwhelmed by change or stress and may gravitate toward the familiarity and security that comfort foods evoke. Or they're so busy and overtired that they think it will help if they eat. Seeking some comfort from food in some situations (when we're sick, stressed or even happy) is not necessarily a bad thing. Food should provide more than just nutrition, says Jodie Waisberg, a clinical psychologist in Kingston, Ont., who adds that it can also be used as a means of socializing with other people, a way of connecting with our past and a source of comfort. But if it becomes your sole source of comfort, be careful: you need other emotional outlets, such as calling a friend or going for a walk.

Why do some of us turn to comfort foods when we need solace? Many are high in carbohydrates, which may trigger the production of serotonin, says Langley, and that can promote feelings of calm. Just don't overdo comfort foods because they can be high in fat, too.

5. Polly Put-the-Kettle-On
The soother and unifying force among family and friends, Polly brings people together with food and hospitality; for her, sharing is sometimes more important than the actual food. She's probably a peacemaker. She's not confrontational and can't stand anyone being aggressive or upset. She keeps food memories and traditions alive and is the unsung hero of cuisine, says Smith. She's also the mom with the best kitchen on the block; at her table there are always lots of second helpings and several mealtime guests. In her bid to keep everyone happy, she's also rushed for time so she looks for easy one-dish meals, says Trish Magwood, owner of the Dish Cooking Studio in Toronto. The drawback: she is so busy taking care of others that she rarely sits down to a relaxed meal herself. She nibbles while she cooks and might finish what's left on her kids' plates. She may also turn to comfort foods when she finds a moment, or dive into the cookies and cakes she prepares for everyone else. The possible consequence is that she's overweight and improperly nourished.

6. Lady Chatterley
Food is a totally sensual experience for Lady Chatterley, who is always open to new taste sensations and eager to explore and experiment. She eats slowly and meaningfully and sets the table with a wide -- and wild -- assortment of colours, textures and tastes. She's outgoing, adventurous, passionate and takes risks. Lady Chatterley shops by the season, says Fieldhouse, and perhaps resists the modern food industry -- you could almost call her a rebel. Confident and creative, she doesn't need a recipe and is completely comfortable in the kitchen. On her plate, you'll often find succulent seafood, bright orange squash, dark green kale and nutty grains – usually a wide variety of foods that provides balance in her diet and spice in her life.