How our psyche influences our nutrition (part 2)

Why food makes us happy

Our brain generally considers the intake of food as something positive. Our reward center is stimulated and releases such feel good hormones as dopamine and serotonin as soon as we start eating. With sweet or fatty foods, this stimulation is particularly strong. Scientists believe this mechanism to be an outcome of our evolution. Contrary to today’s abundance of food, life for our ancestors was characterized by food shortages and fasting periods. As soon as food became available again, it was important to take in as many calories as possible to build up the necessary fat reserves and to survive the hunger period.

While this mechanism may have ensured our survival in the past, nowadays it causes us many health problems. With no food shortages in our daily life, we tend to take in more calories than needed and gain weight (Read Generation XXL). That feel-good sense after the consumption of fatty or sweet foods might also be one of the reasons for the development of eating disorders.

To eat is to remember

Associations, too, can influence our eating habits. A plate of spaghetti might remind us of our last trip to Italy, a cool can of Coca Cola might evoke memories of summer, or a bar of chocolate might bring back precious moments from our childhood. Food that is linked to positive memories also activates our reward center and is therefore particularly favored.

Marketing departments know about this power of association: therefore, fast-food chains often combine their meals with free toy gifts for children to positively associate the consumption of fast food with new toys and to leave a long-lasting impression. However, this mechanism is not limited to sweet and fatty foods only. When associated with pleasant memories, healthy food can have the same effect on our reward center.

The pitfalls of feeling satisfied

Not only the types of food but also the circumstances of their consumption, greatly influence our eating habits. Studies have proven that distractions while eating – such as watching TV or reading the newspaper – lead to a bigger intake of food. Whilst distracted, we often eat faster and the feeling of fullness sets in later – thus increasing the amount of calories consumed. In the long run, being inattentive while eating is not only unhealthy but also increases the risk of becoming overweight.

Another phenomenon when it comes to eating is linked to the so called sensory-specific satiety. While the consumption of a single dish may satisfy us rather quickly, this mechanism does not work with a greater variety of dishes – for example when enjoying a buffet or a full-course menu.Understanding the psyche’s influence on our diet, tricking our innate/natural mechanism and recognizing bad habits becomes easier for us and helps us to correct them. You’d like to read the first part of this article? Click here to continue.