The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos How Eating Got Complicated
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Dec 4, 2023 
In this insightful conversation, Dr. Laurie Santos, a Yale psychology professor, delves into our complex relationship with food. She discusses how food has shifted from a survival necessity to a source of anxiety in modern life. The talk covers topics like the impact of diet culture on our enjoyment of eating, the disconnect between cravings and true satisfaction, and the roles of marketing in shaping our food choices. Dr. Santos emphasizes the importance of mindful eating to foster a healthier relationship with what we consume.
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Food as a Basic Need
- View food as a basic need, like sleep or warmth, not a source of anxiety.
- Historically, food was fuel, not a constant source of pleasure or worry.
Healthy Relationship with Food
- A healthy relationship with food is characterized by a lack of obsessive thoughts and anxiety around eating.
- It's not a constant topic of conversation or a source of emotional extremes.
Mindful Eating for Physical Sensations
- Pay attention to how foods make you feel physically, not just their perceived palatability.
- Recognize that hyper-palatable foods often hijack our "wanting" system, not necessarily our "liking" system.