psychology-health

Evolution and social experiences have trained us to eat larger portions, and to eat foods which are not necessary for our bodies to maintain their normal functions. Because we congregate for the purpose of eating in a group setting and not just when our internal organizer says we need to boost energy levels for survival, more and more people are unnecessarily achieving obesity status. Unlike many Americans, people from other countries are not known for their weight and health related weight issues. They may eat similar quantities though, for example; French people are said to eat a lot, however, most will also speak of the goodness of the food; how wonderful its texture was, and are able to describe the flavors in great detail. Having respect for food must be seen as the element missing from the minds of millions of Americans.Just as personalities change depending on certain variables, so does our desire for different foods. If we are in company, we may make better food choices even though we eat a larger portion. If we are alone, it is possible we would eat something fried without a vegetable or a piece of fruit, because it was quick and convenient.

I have found myself eating until I was so full I felt uncomfortable, but never when I am alone. Alone I am more likely to relax and enjoy a book while eating some fresh fruit, although one apple is generally enough to satisfy my hunger. Based on my experience, I believe it is highly likely that nutritional foods cause the feeling of satiety, rather than foods high in simple sugars and sodium. In fact, sodium is notorious for prompting a second binge which I have always remembered to be sweet, rather than a second round of salt. Salt also makes me drink more water too, so the feeling of fullness is likely to creep up unexpectedly after I have already eaten way too much food. I also believe that hunger and appetite are vastly different; hunger is self-explanatory, but appetite means we eat for the sake of eating something which looks pretty.

The positive-incentive theory also provides a logical the reason why many people whose minds are occupied when watching a sporting event, can eat large quantities of food without experiencing the overdue feelings of satiety. Social gatherings where conversations are in full swing would also provide a distraction. Overeating is more likely to be an egotistical need to be in the public eye, or the desire to belong with others, than an alert from our bodies because they need refueling with nutritional food. Perhaps this is another way evolution removes the weakest of a species, so the strongest may thrive.

Trackback URI | Comments RSS