Mindless Eating: Why We Eat More Than We Think

by Brian Wansink
Mindless Eating: Why We Eat More Than We Think cover
Good Books rating 3.8
Health & Fitness
Technical:
  • ID: 972
  • Added: 2025-09-23
  • Updated: 2025-09-23
  • ISBN: 9780345526885
  • Publisher: Random House Digital, Inc.
  • Published: 2010-01-01
  • Reviews: 3

In 'Mindless Eating,' a food psychologist reveals the surprising factors that influence our eating habits, often leading to overeating. By understanding these hidden cues, readers can make smarter food choices and maintain a healthier lifestyle. The book offers actionable advice to help break free from mindless eating patterns and enjoy food more mindfully. /n/nThis insightful guide is not just about dieting; it's about changing the way we think about food. With practical tips and real-world examples, 'Mindless Eating' empowers readers to take control of their eating habits and achieve long-term health goals.

Reviews
Medium · owlsgecko · 2025-09-23
insightful 4.00

The book challenges the belief that we control our eating decisions and highlights the role of external factors. It offers practical advice for re-engineering one's environment to eat better.

owlsgecko finds the book to be a compelling read that challenges the common notion that we have complete control over our eating decisions. Instead, it sheds light on the various external factors that subtly guide our food choices. The book is not just about understanding these influences but also provides practical advice on how to re-engineer our environment to make healthier eating decisions. This approach makes the book both informative and actionable, helping readers to make positive changes in their eating habits without relying solely on willpower. The insights shared are valuable for anyone looking to improve their relationship with food.

Quick quotes

    The book challenges the notion that we control our eating decisions, explaining that various external factors often guide our choices.

    Mindless Eating is about re-engineering your environment and life so you can eat without guilt, without gaining weight, and without the need for willpower.

    It offers practical advice for re-engineering one's environment to eat better.

American Journal of Clinical Nutrition · T Baranowski · 2008-01-01
enjoyable 3.50

The book is noted for its playful title and insightful exploration of unconscious eating influences. It is considered an enjoyable introduction to Wansink's research.

T Baranowski appreciates the clever title of the book, which cleverly underscores the unconscious nature of eating behaviors. The book is praised for its enjoyable and painless introduction to Wansink's intriguing research on the factors that influence our eating habits. Baranowski finds the book to be an accessible and engaging read, making complex psychological and nutritional concepts understandable for a wide audience. The insights provided are valuable not only for individuals but also for industries like hospitality, which grapple with promoting healthy eating while also aiming to sell more food.

Quick quotes

    The title of this book, Mindless Eating, is a play on words that emphasizes the unconscious nature of the influences Wansink has studied.

    If you are not aware of Wansink's work, this is an enjoyable, painless way to become acquainted with interesting research that should be taken into account in various fields.

    The book raises a potential dilemma for the hospitality industry: Should a restaurant promote healthy eating to their customers or should they try to sell an experience?

Goodreads · 2006-10-17
transformative 3.90

The book is praised for its transformative insights into eating habits, with readers noting it changes perspectives on food choices. It is also appreciated for its engaging and accessible writing style.

This book has been a game-changer for many readers, offering a fresh perspective on why we eat the way we do. It challenges the idea that we make conscious decisions about our meals, instead highlighting the subtle, often unseen factors that influence our eating habits. The writing is engaging and easy to follow, making complex psychological concepts accessible to everyone. Readers have found it both enlightening and practical, with many saying it has changed the way they approach their next meal. Overall, it's a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the psychology behind eating behaviors.

Quick quotes

    This book will literally change the way you think about your next meal.

    Food psychologist Brian Wansink revolutionizes our awareness of how much, what, and why we eat.

    In this illuminating and groundbreaking new book, food psychologist Brian Wansink reveals the hidden forces that shape our eating habits.

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