Indulging in the delights of the holiday season is a delight for many. They say you “feast with your eyes first,” and it certainly rings true, especially during this time of year. But there’s a whole lot more happening in our brains and bodies when it comes to deciding when and what to eat.

The visual cues of food play a significant role in shaping our eating habits. Have you ever noticed how the wrapping of fast food can make it appear more tempting? Well, it turns out that it can actually enhance how we perceive the taste of the food. It’s not just what we see, but also what we hear, smell, and feel that can influence our decisions about food. From a catchy radio tune for a food brand to strolling by our favourite eatery, these sensory experiences can steer our choices.

Yet our bodies also play a vital role in informing us when to eat. The sensations of hunger and fullness emanating from our stomach and gut are crucial internal signals that influence our decisions about food. In fact, research on rats has shown that they can be conditioned to link hunger or fullness with the availability of food, shaping their behaviour accordingly.

It’s not just external cues that guide our eating habits. Our gut-brain connection, which involves the vagus nerve, also plays a significant role. This nerve conveys information about the nutrients we consume to our brain, and stimulating it can induce a pleasurable state. It’s also involved in a range of internal signals that affect our thoughts and actions.

Our ability to use both external and internal signals to regulate our eating habits is truly remarkable. When we are attuned to our body’s signals, it can lead to more intuitive eating and a healthier approach to our diet. Especially during the holidays, when external stressors can influence our eating habits, being mindful of our internal signals can help us savour our food without overindulging.

In conclusion, our brains are finely attuned to sense our energy needs. By paying attention to both our external food environment and our internal signals, we can strike a balance and fully relish the season’s culinary delights. So, next time you tuck into a festive feast, trust your gut and relish every morsel. After all, your brain and body are working together to ensure you have a satisfying and enriching experience. Cheers to that!