Who are you eating with?

Did you know that the people that you eat with can have a profound effect on how much you eat? Did you know that the number of people eating with you can also influence how enjoyable and palatable the meal is?

Research has long shown that others and our environment can have a profound effect on what we choose to eat. Both males and females tend to eat more when they are in the presence of others, especially those they know well. If you don't know the people you are eating with you tend to eat less - maybe we try to impress those we don't know but don't care when we are around familiar faces?

Research* has shown that there can be an increase of up to 76% of calories consumed when and individual eats with seven or more people - that is a huge increase in energy, especially if you do it often! Other research has also shown that there may be an even larger effect of eating with others when alcohol is consumed.

So what should you do if you are watching your weight? If you are going to be eating in a large group do enjoy your meal but keep in mind how much you are consuming. Add what you like to your plate, look at it, eat it and don't go back for more. Constantly filling up your plate will add loads more energy to your meal and constitutes overeating. It's also easy to forget to think about, and respond to signals of fullness if you are in a large group and the conversation is flowing. Take part in the conversation but put down your knife and fork (or chopsticks etc) regularly and take a moment to think about how full you are.

Eating with others is one of life's great pleasures but be careful that you don't overeat - it may make achieving your weight or health based goals that much harder.

Reference

* Stroebele and De Castro, (2004) Ambience and Food Intake. Nutrition, (20),9:S821-8838