The need for fuel isn’t the only reason we eat. Our habits and environment as well as our physical and moral condition also influence the thorn thorn. Similarly, our five senses, our mood As well as our memory sharpens or weakens our appetite.
Cultural habits and appetite
Our appetites are greatly influenced by our cultural habits.
Effect of meal times on appetite
In many cultures, especially for children, the day is punctuated by four meals: breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner. This rate corresponds to the differences in the rate Sugar in the blood, which decreases four hours after eating a meal. In most cultures, meals are generally eaten at the same time, with the exception of dinner which is taken a little earlier or a little later in the evening depending on the country (6.30pm in the UK, 8pm in France, 10pm in Spain). Thus, unlike biological rhythms, meal times follow the social rhythms specific to each culture.
The effect of the number of meals on appetite
In our society, adults tend to skip snack time, which disrupts their natural rhythm. It’s already been four hours since lunch, glucose level is low, hunger will be felt soon… Lack of a snack is a reason girlThey are often mentioned in the causes of weight gain: around 6 pm, hunger becomes a must, we throw ourselves at the first food we encounter especially fatty or sweet snacks. When we can resist this craving, we get so hungry at dinner time that we eat more than we should. This example clearly shows why skipping a meal can’t help maintain weight! Watching your waistline, four reasonable meals is better than two very fatty ones.
The role of the environment in appetite
Our environment greatly influences our appetite which will be greater or less depending on the place, the people who accompany us or our activities.
The effect of location on appetite
Our appetites are most at ease when we are comfortably seated in a place where we feel comfortable. Cold and discomfort limit it and make digestion more difficult. Ambient colors also affect appetite; Therefore, fast food restaurants are often decorated in warm colors (yellow, orange, red) that are supposed to stimulate appetite.
Friendliness and appetite
Having people belonging to our surroundings around the table stimulates our appetite. Sharing food remains a powerful symbol, rooted in the reassuring feeling of being part of a group. In humans, as in many animals, sharing food is a powerful component of social cohesion.
Season and appetite
Our appetite varies with the weather. In cold weather, we naturally tend to opt for rich dishes like thick soups, potato gratin, or cassoulet. In the summer we prefer cold dishes, salads or foods rich in water. Without paying attention to it, we adapt our intake to the needs of our bodies, fight the cold in the winter and stay well hydrated in the summer.
Effect of physical and mental state on appetite
Physical exercise and appetite
It is wrongly believed that physical exercise stimulates appetite. In fact, it works more on hunger. We burn more energy and our bodies require more fuel. Immediately after exercise, we do not feel hungry because exercise mobilizes the body’s energy reserves; Rate Sugar In the blood that is maintained at a sufficient level, hunger does not make itself felt. In addition, in people whose constant craving for a snack is the result of an anxious state, exercise tends to regulate appetite thanks to its relaxing effect.
Psychological and appetite difficulties
Poor presence, heartache, fatigue, anxiety, depression … The psychological state, depending on the person, can suppress appetite or, on the contrary, exacerbate it. It can also interfere with digestion. Many psychological problems lead to appetite disorders, or in more serious cases, to eating disorders such as Anorexia, a BulimiaOr binge eating or unconscious eating.
Health status and appetite
Anorexia accompanies many diseases, but it also accompanies the consequences of stress or surgery, for example. When a lack of appetite puts the patient at risk of malnutrition, follow a diet Way in the vein Using a balanced liquid solution can be prepared. The return of appetite is an excellent indicator of the healing journey.
During pregnancy, appetite may increase. If this is the case, it is best to balance your diet accordingly to avoid excessive weight gain. High-fiber foods and vitamins : Fruits and vegetables, whole grains, etc. In breastfeeding women, the appetite often increases because the production of breast milk leads to an increased need for calories.
Medicine and appetite
Many drugs affect appetite, positively or negatively (see table below). When the drug decreases appetite, usually due to nausea, this effect is rather transient, lasting from a few days to a few weeks. On the other hand, increased appetite due to medication sometimes persists throughout treatment, resulting in weight gain.
| increased appetite | lack of appetite |
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The role of the senses and memory in appetite
The golden skin of roast chicken, the aroma of apple pie coming out of the oven, the crispness of the bread…our senses are awakened when we approach a delicious dish. It causes our brain to secrete saliva and gastric juices. Stimulates stomach contractions.
Odor It is the feeling that has the most power over our appetite. The common cold is enough to make us realize its importance in the desire to eat.
the look Provides information on texture, temperature and taste. But this information can be wrong, because a beautiful presentation is not always a guarantee of delicious delight!
he heard It can reinforce other perceptions; The sizzling of a grilled piece of meat in a hot skillet or roasted chicken on a spit makes our mouths water.
touch It is also a determining factor in certain attractions, such as the texture of the peach peel that sometimes feels uncomfortable.
memory From our culinary experiences, the power of the senses over the appetite is doubled. Smells and tastes, especially those that arose in our childhood, are indelibly engraved in our memory and strongly influence our appetite. This is well understood by the food industry, trying to give an artisanal or homely look to the foods they serve. Despite these tricks, our memories remain faithful and will never equal our grandmother’s artificial pie.