Food consumption exists for more than just your body’s fuel. Throughout the day, consumers must choose various food options from the early morning to the late evening
Food consumption exists for more than just your body’s fuel. Throughout the day, consumers must choose various food options from the early morning to the late evening. However, these decisions are considerably more difficult due to the bombardment of choices in restaurants, supermarkets and kitchens. In a study, Brian Wansink, food psychologist and author of Mindless Eating, found that people make over 250 dietary choices a day. That large of a number can cause a lot of confusion and often causes a phenomenon known as mindless eating.
Other factors add to mindless eating habits. When the focus switches from the food on your plate, appetites can run away from the diners. Eating irresistible snacks while chatting in a social setting or surfing the Internet can trigger an open-ended ability to eat and eat and eat. Instead, pour the delectable snack into a bowl to forego the unhealthy habit and save more snacks for a later date.
Portion sizes and plate sizes are other factors involved in mindless eating. In the United States, Americans are taught to eat everything on their plate; American portion sizes are problematic to say the least. Mindless eating in the United States is a cultural problem as a whole. During a survey, Wansink and his team asked 150 people from Paris and 150 people from Chicago “how they knew they were through with dinner.” The Parisians consistently answered when they’re full. Chicagoans, on the other hand, answered when their plate was empty. This reveals a cultural mindset in the process of eating.
Multiple solutions exist to fight the cultural wave overtaking Americans’ dietary habits: Ask for a take-home container at a restaurant when being served the dish and place half the portion in the box. Not only will there be more food for the next day, but it also releases the urge to eat everything that’s served to you. Wansink also suggests using smaller plates to serve with at holiday dinners or in the kitchen. Less room on a plate means less room to add food. The temptation to stack heaping amounts of gluttony is instantly forgone.
Careless eating can cause unhealthy eating habits. Although cultural influences can alter dietary lifestyles, individuals ultimately choose their own eating habits. This does not need to be a radical shift. Let it be a slow process so as to not overwhelm you. Food should be a positive in your life rather than a dreadful downer.
Eating should be considered more than a ritual. Take the time out of the day to consume food that adds a spring to your step. Eating out everyday is not realistic for the Average Joe, so I recommend preparing a meal you are going to really enjoy. Food is an art form for a reason. Take time to taste what you are actually eating. Eat a bite of food and close your eyes. Revel in the various flavors.
Cassie Fait is a senior studying journalism and Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. How do you maintain healthy eating habits? Email her at cf301411@ohio.edu
