Overeating - Variety of your food.
By ycswid
@ycswid (279)
Canada
March 19, 2007 9:09am CST
I found a very interesting article today. It stated something that I had never heard. You are less likely to overeat if you eat the same thing at one meal. I know that I eat the same breakfast at least 5 days a week but didn't know it could have a affect on weight loss. I know a lot of people say they try to get variety into their eating but it is interesting that it could be advantageous to be repetitive.
Do you try for variety when you eat? Does this article change how you will make meal choices?I've transcribed (no copy and paste as I'm not at 500 yet) the article below along with it's originating URL in case you are interested in further reading.******************************************************http://www.realage.com/news_feature/tip.aspx?v=1&cid=17784
Silencing Overeating Triggers
Ever sit down at the computer with a family-size bag of chips, only to find it nearly empty by the time you log off?There's a scientific reason for it. Normally, if you eat the same food for a period of time, your palette gets "tired". You feel full sooner and don't want as much. This is known as sensory-specific satiety. But get distracted -- by reading the latest celebrity gossip, catching up on e-mail, or playing computer games -- and this appetite-control mechanism gets turned off. Your palette is primed for variety. Ever notice how there's always room for dessert, even when you're stuffed? The greater the variety of food, the more you're likely to eat. The opposite is also true: Take away variety and you feel fuller sooner. it's a trick you can use to your advantage. According to the RealAge Docs, you're less likely to overeat -- and more likely to lose weight -- if you eat the same thing for at least one of your meals, day in and day out. Aim for overall variety within a week long period, not with each meal.
In a study, women who ate snake cakes while playing a video game wanted to eat more of the food -- not less -- compared to the women who ate without any distraction. The game players also had a greater desire to snack on other available munchies, and their desire to eat lingered after the study ended.
So do your best not to watch TV, spend time on the computer, read, or otherwise distract yourself when eating. You'll be satisfied with less and feel fuller sooner. And focusing on eating might prolong the time between meals.
1 person likes this
2 responses
@saigonwarrior (1331)
• United States
10 Jun 07
I try not to eat while on the computer. Most times if I want a snack I will eat it in the kitchen, standing over the sink. Bad habit, I know, I guess it is just easier to clean up that way.
I eat cereal every morning for breakfast, I am not sure it affects my eating habits throughout the rest of the day though.
Thanks for the link, it is interesting.
@michelledarcy (5220)
•
19 Mar 07
This is really interesting.
I guess if you eat the same food for the meal eventually you will get bored and not eat as much. However if you do this how will you get all your daily requirements of fruit and veg.
1 person likes this
@ycswid (279)
• Canada
19 Mar 07
I think you can still get your requirements. It's the meal that's the same. I don't think they implied one food. I agree if you ate one food then you would not get your daily requirements.
I eat a homemade breakfast oatmeal each day that includes apples, raisins, walnuts, cinnamon, wheat germ, flax meal and psyllium husks. That is a very complete meal yet helps me to feel full and not overeat.