Why We Eat What We Eat The Psychology of Eating

Cutting through popular myths about eating, this book presents up-to-date research on how normal eating patterns develop. Researchers in the field are discovering that eating patterns emerge out of a continual process of learning - one that is shaped by a complex interaction of physiological, developmental, nutritional and cultural factors. This research has important implications for practitioners, for if eating is a learned behaviour, then eating can be changed. This volume translates the findings of this cutting-edge research for students and practitioners and proposes models of eating behaviours based on this information (e.g. "the desert effect", taste aversion learning, and cues of satiety). This volume focuses on normal eating patterns, since an understanding of how psychological processes operate in normal eating is necessary before disordered eating can be understood. However, it also discusses how and why eating deviates from these norms. The authors also highlight the important implications of this research for practice.;The volume is divided into six parts. After an introductory section, four parts focus on the main factors that influence food preferences. The last part combines the information from these factors and explores specific patterns of eating, like obesity. This volume is intended for students, dieticians, nutritionists, doctors, and practitioners working with clients with eating disorders who want to get an overview of the most up-to-date research in the field.