Why do we eat? Studies[1] have shown that the drivers behind our choices of timing and quality of meals are not what you would think, read the ordered list and reflect upon your past food choices, and keep it in mind next time you find yourself reaching for something to eat:
- Personal Preferences: you like the flavor;
- Habit or tradition: the foods are familiar, you always eat them;
- Social pressure: the food is offered to you, you feel you can’t refuse it;
- Availability: the food is there, ready to eat;
- Convenience: you are too rushed to prepare anything else;
- Economy: the food is within your financial means;
- Nutritional value (perceived): you think your body requires that food;
- You are hungry.
What’s very interesting is that “Hunger” is the last item on the list.
Why do we do the things we do? Who’s in control? Who’s driving the bus?
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{Photography by Savannah Grandfather}
[1] Understanding Nutrition, by Eleanor Noss Whitney, Eva May Nunnelley Hamilton, Sharon Rady Rolfes.
