The psychology of eating

Why do we eat what and when we do? And how can we better manage our hunger urges and eating habits?

Glenn Brassington, Ph.D and adjunct clinical assistant professor at Stanford, answers some of these questions in a recent discussion.

Q: Other than hunger, why do we eat?

A: We eat for many reasons, most of which are social and emotional. We eat to mend our emotional wounds and to experience the pleasure of food. We eat because it is what our friends are doing and to recreate past experiences of comfort, such as when our mothers cooked for us. We also eat because we are exposed to cues in the environment (e.g., advertising, smells from restaurants, etc.).

Q: Most of us know what we are supposed to eat, but find it difficult to follow through. Why is that?

A:  Eating behavior, as with other health behaviors, is not just the result of intention. If it were, everyone would be doing what they intended. Rather, eating behavior is caused by a complex interaction of factors including ones internal (thoughts and feelings), social (what others close to you are doing), and environmental (e.g., access to health foods, eating cues, etc.).

Q: What is the most common behavioral mistake we make when it comes to eating?

A: Missing meals is a common behavioral mistake because it creates a physiological urge to eat whatever is most available, which is generally “fast food.”

Q: How can we improve our eating habits?

A: Start with a healthy balanced breakfast that is at least one-third of your calorie needs. Include adequate amounts of protein, carbohydrates, and fats at breakfast and work to eat healthy food that makes you feel at least as high as an 8 out of 10 on a satiety scale.

Interview conducted by Julie Croteau and edited by Lane McKenna.