Cues to Eat Healthy

Most of my blogs are on the psychology of eating—the why and how of it. However, there’s a different set of whys and hows that are based on perceptions regarding food—how it’s presented or served and why our appetites react as they do. In addition to changing our brains, we can change our environment to eat more healthfully. According to author Brian Wansink, a professor in the fields of consumer behavior and nutritional science (“Fooled by Food,” Nutrition Action Healthletter, 4/13, pp. 3-7), people overeat or choose non-nutritious over nutritious foods for many reasons, some of which are outside of our awareness. Here are his easy, effective suggestions. Did you know that you’re better off using a tall, thin bowl or glass than a short, wide one? According to his research, people eat less using the former than the latter.  Make nutritious foods more visible and non-nutritious foods less visible. Just switch them around in your pantry or refrigerator so healthy foods are more visible. For non-hunger cravings, Wansink recommends having one bite of a food, then moving away from it for 10 minutes by doing something else. I’d add that you’ll do better deciding whether to continue eating or not if you’re not having the debate with the food in front of you, so move yourself elsewhere. To manage your food intake in a restaurant, choose a window seat or one with good lighting. Avoid sitting near the TV, bar or dark corners. Wansink al...
Source: Normal Eating - Category: Eating Disorders Authors: Source Type: blogs