“In this factual feast, neuroscientist Rachel Herz probes humanity’s fiendishly complex relationship with food.” —Nature How is personality correlated with preference for sweet or bitter foods? What genres of music best enhance the taste of red wine? With clear and compelling explanations of the latest research, Rachel Herz explores these questions and more in this lively book. Why You Eat What You Eat untangles the sensory, psychological, and physiological factors behind our eating habits, pointing us to a happier and healthier way of engaging with our meals.

A food psychologist identifies hidden factors, motivations, and cues that cause overeating and offers practical solutions to help avoid these hidden traps and enjoy food without putting on excess pounds.

Does eating off a red plate really curb your appetite? Can music enhance sweet flavours and deepen savoury ones? Why does a homemade Belgian double-chocolate cake make your mouth water more than a chocolate cake? And would you pay more for it? Discover the answers to these questions and more in this clever little book that draws on the latest scientific research to explain the innumerable influences behind our appetites, tastes, and eating habits. Learn how to throw your best dinner party yet by optimising the music, lighting, and table setting. Become a savvy shopper by understanding how supermarkets present their products to make some seem more appealing than others. Feel confident ordering food and wine in a restaurant without paying more than they're worth. Know what and why you eat, when and how you do — before you next sit down to dine!

In We Think What We Eat, Seth Kunin presents both an appreciation and critique of Professor Mary Douglas' classical work on Israelite food rules. He places her arguments into the context of related anthropological approaches and suggests a new interpretation of the food rules system based on a rigorous application of structuralist theory. Kunin then goes on to extend this analysis to other areas of Israelite culture. Through detailed analysis of texts from Genesis, Exodus and Judges, he demonstrates that the same structural pattern found in the first section in respect of ritual is also characteristic of the mythological material. This section of the book also takes up the issue of structural transformation. It examines the processes found as the myths move from the Israelite context to that of the rabbis, the authors of the New Testament and of the Book of Mormon. The arguments presented demonstrate that as the myths move from culture to culture diachronically and geographically while the same mythological elements are retained they are restructured and organized based on the structural needs of the new cultural context. Kunin is also interested in issues of structuralist theory. Thus, he addresses issues related to the processes of structural transformation - suggesting processes that lead to changes in structural emphasis and those relating to more significant transformations. This is volume 412 in the Journal for the Study of the Old Testament Supplement series.

“Cut through the juice cleanses and paleo diets to bring back some common sense.”—The New York Times Book Review Outsmart Your Impulses and Eat Better A Belgian chocolate cake topped with a velvety homemade mousse catches your eye on the menu. The next thing you know, you’ve ordered it—despite the hefty price. But do you know why? Through over 40 compelling questions, this book explores how our eating decisions tread the line between conscious and subconscious, and enables us to be more intelligent about food. With expert insights that draw from psychology, neuroscience, popular culture, and more, learn to see the innumerable influences behind your diet and cravings—from the size and color of your plate, to the placement of products in a supermarket, to the order in which you sit when out with friends. And the chocolate cake? Would you believe research shows that regional descriptions (Belgian!) and emotive, sensory language (homemade! velvety!) subtly affect your appetite? Know what and why you eat, when and how you do—before you next sit down to dine!

Science is beginning to understand that our thinking has a deep and complicated relationship with our eating. Our thoughts before, during, and after eating profoundly impact our food choices, our digestive health, our brain health, and more. Yet most of us give very little thought to our food beyond taste and basic nutritional content. In this curriculum, Dr. Caroline Leaf helps participants avoid fads and focus on their unique nutritional needs and thought patterns in order to positively impact their own health through right thinking. Anyone who is tired of traditional diet plans that don't work, who struggles with emotional eating, or who simply isn't satisfied with their level of health will find in this program the key to discovering how they can begin developing a healthier body, brain, and spirit. Perfect for small groups who want something a little different.