Research presented by Dr. Marion Hetherington at the 2011 Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo about multitasking and mindless eating provided proof that weight gain isn't just about what you eat, but how you eat.
Dr. Hetherington explained that "satiation" is the sensation that lets us know when to end a meal or stop eating. "Satiety" describes what we feel after eating that tells us we're satisfied, but not stuffed. Hunger is the signal that it's time to eat again. Being able to detect each of these physical conditions has strong cognitive component.
Or simply put, we must pay attention when eating so our mind can process all of the signals that our body receives through sight, smell, taste and touch, in addition to the barrage of gastrointestinal signals transmitted with each bite.
According to Dr. Hetherington, several studies show that if you eat while doing other things, such as watching TV, reading or even talking, you can end up overeating. Appetite regulation is also affected by the amount of food available, such as large servings or buffets, even if the food doesn't taste that good.
Based on this emerging research, a new direction for treating weight gain and obesity has evolved that focuses on the act of eating. Evelyn Tribole, MS, RD explained how Intuitive Eating, an approach she helped pioneer,allows people to develop a healthy relationship with food and their own body.
Intuitive Eating is based on 10 principles which begin with rejecting the diet mentality and all the externalized rules for "dieting" that go with it. In this way the physical cues of hunger and satiety can begin to guide eating.
Ms. Tribole described "eating amnesia" as what occurs when you eat while distracted. She went on to explain that eating intuitively requires being aware of the food in front of you, as well as your emotions and body sensations.
The benefits of overcoming mindless eating and eating more intuitively go far beyond weight control according to both speakers. Practitioners gain a whole new appreciation for how to live in their own bodies and more accurately interpret their other needs, feelings and thoughts unrelated to food.
Given the abysmal results of most weight loss diets and the constantly changing food landscape, it makes sense to redirect your attention on how you eat, instead of what, if you want to lose weight. Why not shut down all the electronics and other distractions at your next meal and see how it feels?
