Mindless Eating: Why We Eat More Than We Think Mass Market by Brian Wansink

Mindless Eating: Why We Eat More Than We Think Mass Market by Brian Wansink

When it comes to food and lifestyle choices, we often think that we’re in control. We believe that, for the most part, we eat what we want, when we want it, and in the amounts we choose. But the reality is that many of our eating habits are shaped by unnoticed influences much more than our conscious decision making.

In Mindless Eating: Why We Eat More Than We Think, author and professor Brian Wansink proves that much of our food choices, portion sizes, and even attitudes towards food are driven by our environment – without us even knowing it. With psychological research and real-world examples, he explains how the food industry conspires to trick us into consuming more than we intend – and how understanding why we subconsciously over-eat is the key to lasting change.

Part One of Mindless Eating explores the connection between our physical and mental selves. Wansink argues that our psychological makeup has a large influence on how and what we eat. He explains that, until recently, overeating was seen as an intentional act – an individual choice made by a person who simply chooses to eat too much. But research now proves that oureating behavior is largely dictated by outside forces. Wansink calls this “mindless eating” – when we consume more food than we realize due to environmental cues.

In Part Two, Wansink outlines the strategies used by the food industry to manipulate us into eating more than we intend. He explains how marketing tactics, restaurant design, and the modern food environment are designed to create an environment where we over-eat without being aware of it. He argues that understanding the techniques used to trick us will help us become conscious of our mindless eating and make healthier decisions.

Part Three of Mindless Eating focuses on practical ways to counteract these forces and make healthy, conscious eating choices. Wansink explains how small tweaks to our daily routine can help us overcome our unhealthy food habits. He recommends strategies such as pre-plating meals, eating family-style, shopping with a list and measuring servings.

In the book’s conclusion, Wansink explains that part of eating healthily is understanding the reasons we overeat so that we’re aware of them. He argues that making smarter decisions doesn’t start with new diets or willpower – it starts with understanding why we make the choices we do. With this knowledge, we can make small adjustments to our habits and environment and break the cycle of mindless eating.

Overall, Mindless Eating is an enlightening and educational read. Wansink offers an insightful look at why we eat the way we do and proves that, armed with knowledge, we can make healthier and more intentional choices about food. He demonstrates that making small changes to our environment and understanding why cues can drive overeating can help us break the cycle of mindless eating – and lead to improved health long-term.