How Our Environment Affects The Way We Eat

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/09/17/slim-by-design-environment-mindless-eating_n_5737688.html?utm_hp_ref=healthy-living

As nutrition students and professionals in the field we realize there are many factors involved in a healthy lifestyle, and environment plays a huge role in that process.  The article published in the Huffington Post reinforces the significant role our environment plays on what and how much we eat on a daily basis.  Food psychologist and behavioral economist Brian Wansink, P.h.D. and director of The Food and Brand Lab at Cornell University, provides tips in improving food behaviors in various environments.

Interestingly enough, 80% of eating decisions are made within 5 miles of where a person lives.  The grocery store, kitchen, office/work place are the main places where we eat.  Wansink suggests chewing gum before doing grocery shopping to help with cravings and hunger for snack foods.  Also he suggests shopping for the healthiest foods first and eating a healthy snack before shopping can help with the temptation of convenience foods.

In the Kitchen Wansink recommends keeping a fruit bowl out on the counter instead of chips and cereal.  In one study chips and cereal on the counter space were associated with women weighing 21 more pounds than their neighbors.   At the workplace he suggests not eating at the desk because it is associated with eating unhealthy foods and/or later in the day.  When at a restaurant he suggests ordering the entree you want and allowing yourself to have 2 other items.  These items could be an appetizer, alcoholic beverage, or a dessert for example.  People that practice this rule tend to eat 21-23% fewer calories.  These are basic concepts that provide good reminders of everyday environmental triggers that can affect our eating patterns.  

~Amy  DerGurahian