Here's why we eat more when with friends and family

Research shows that we tend to eat more when eating with other people compared to when eating alone - know as the social facilitation of eating. Study: H.Ruddock/J.Brunstrom/L.Vartanian/.S.Higgs.

Historically, the sharing of food for through preparation and consumption, serves to connects us together - Restoring the Spiritual, Mental, Emotional and Physical Wellness of people/one another.

The act of coming together is celebratory and a display of affection on both sides and of which our behaviour corresponds - we unintentionally eat more!

How it happens:

1. You eat as they do

2. They are generously hosting.. keeping you topped up! And well fed.

For THEM it shows affection - love, care, attentiveness - The Act of Giving. You reciprocate…. For YOU it shows acceptance, gratitude - The Act of Receiving.

More obviously, eating with others is good fun and we receive emotional reward from social eating - we get caught up in the moment!

….And why wouldn’t we it’s our way of social connection.

Unfortunately, if you’re a female who requires 1500kcal/day to lose a fat - the average energy content of that social eating can be your entire day’s intake. For a man who requires 2000kcal/day to lose fat the average content could be some 75%!!

Here’s 5 Tips to help you eat socially and stay on track with your goals.

1. If you’re dining out - check out the menu in advance and select dishes within your calorie total.

2. Reduce calories during the day/or overall during the week 3. Limit the Condiments/Sauces 4. Prioritise Protein and Veg over Carbs 5. Alcohol….limit. and/or choose Spirits to lower the calories

CHEERS