The Session: The Psychology of Eating Cliffnotes.com

Why, When, and How Much Humans Eat

Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20 you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies. (I Corinthians 6:19-20)

The psychology of eating is a multidisciplinary field that explores the complex biological, psychological, social, and cultural factors influencing why, when, and how much humans eat.

The psychology of eating goes beyond simple hunger to address learned behaviors, emotional triggers, and environmental cues that shape our relationship with food.

Environmental cues happen when people are more likely to eat in the presence of an environmental cue that others did too. Also, participants were more likely to choose a snack that was consistent with the choice of others.

• Examples include having a snack because someone else in the house is having one. The power of suggestion.

Key Factors in the Psychology of Eating

• Emotional Eating: Many people use food—often high-fat, high-sugar "comfort foods"—to cope with emotions such as depression, stress, sadness, boredom, anger, or loneliness. This provides temporary relief but can lead to cycles of guilt and overeating.
• Mindless Eating: This occurs when individuals eat without paying attention to their body's hunger and fullness signals, often while distracted by activities like watching TV or working.
• An example; I always eat pizza while watching football
• Social and Environmental Influence: Eating behaviors are heavily influenced by social settings, cultural norms, and marketing. People often eat more in the company of others or are influenced by the eating habits of romantic partners.
• Food Preferences and Conditioning: Personal history, childhood experiences, and learned associations (e.g., associating specific foods with celebrations or comfort) significantly shape what we choose to eat.
• Biological and Neurological Factors: Hormones like leptin and ghrelin regulate physical hunger and satiety, while the brain's reward system can drive cravings for calorie-dense foods.
• Mood and Nutrition: The relationship between food and mood is a two-way street. A nutritious diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential vitamins, can improve mood and mental health, while poor dietary choices can exacerbate feelings of stress and depression.
• Why You Eat

Understanding why you eat produces the potential to manage your weight and mental health better.

•Some people eat because they enjoy fixing themselves a snack and looking forward to eating it.

•Some people like eating because it makes it gives them an adrenaline high while preparing it.

When We Eat

• Poor Choices: People eating late often choose higher-calorie, less nutritious foods, and emotional eating increases when tired, adding excess calories.
• Increased Calorie Intake: Late-night eaters often consume hundreds more calories daily, which drives weight gain.

Portion Size

The National Library of Medicine suggests that it can increase weight gain. However other factors are related.

• Family Genetics
• Size

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