A study reported that 52 percent of Americans felt that doing their taxes is easier than trying to figure out how to eat healthy. One out of four people currently eat some type of fast food throughout the day. In 2011, an average American consumed close to one ton of food per year! Reports show that Americans consume 31 percent more processed foods than fresh foods. Over 10 billion donuts are consumed yearly in the United States, and 20 percent of all meals eaten are consumed on the go or in the car!
20% of all American meals are consumed on-the-go!
A new study reports that on the go eating may increase food intake throughout the day and could be one factor of weight gain and obesity. Eating while multi-tasking has been found to trigger overeating, especially during activities such as watching television or talking with a friend.
The study examined how on the go eating impacts females. Researchers examined 60 females who were dieters or non-dieters and gave them a cereal bar to eat under three different conditions. The first group was asked to watch a five minute clip of the sitcom Friends, while eating. The second group was asked to walk around while eating, and the third group sat opposite of a friend and talked while eating.
Study finds that on the go eating is bad for our waistlines
Researchers then administered a follow-up questionnaire and a taste test involving four different bowls of snacks that included chocolate, carrot sticks, grapes, and potato chips. The end results showed that those on a diet ate more snacks at the taste test if they were walking around. It also showed that those who walked around ate five times more chocolate than other snacks. (3)
Researchers encourage the public to consider that walking around is a powerful form of distraction that disrupts our ability to understand the impact of eating on our hunger, which leads to over-eating. They also remind people that eating at our desks can also lead to weight gain. When we do not fully concentrate on the act of consuming, we lose ability to track and recognize the food we are eating; thus, falling into the trap of mindless eating.
Avoid eating while distracted in order to make health conscious choices and increase ability to recognize when you are full or satisfied
If you are one that eats on-the-go or eats while being distracted, try removing distractions, find a table or quiet spot to eat. During meal times, concentrate on the food you are eating and the health benefits of those foods. Separate yourself from distractions that interfere with your body’s ability to listen to itself and tell you when it is satisfied or full. Allow eating to change from a stressful time, to a stress-free time.
