Mindless eating. Are you guilty of such a thing? I know I am. But why? Ok, I can simply blame my sweet tooth for some of my dietary transgressions, but I was glad to learn that my lack of willpower isn’t always to blame.

I read in my recent edition of “Experience Life” magazine that most of the decisions we make about food happen without willpower ever getting involved. And we make an average 200 decisions a day! Dr. Brian Wansink, PhD, from Cornell University conducted numerous studies on food’s connection to human behavior. He claims 90 percent of our decisions are unconscious. Here are some examples from his book “Mindless Eating.”

We "think" we stop eating because we’re full when in fact our plate is empty. We "think" we’re hungry when we’re really tempted by donuts. Dr. Wansink’s advice on feeling satisfied? Eat from a smaller plate (make sure the plate is half covered in salad and vegetables) and sit next to a slow eater. Following these tips will shift your eating pattern; you won’t notice you’re eating fewer calories or try to compensate. Before long you’ve got the “mindless margin” on your side.

I’ll let you know how it works… as soon as I start eating again. I’m still recovering from my day-long Mothers Day munch-fest!
—Macie Jepson