Do you ever stop and think about the things that influence what andhow much you eat? Things like the size and style of plate your dessertis served on, what the wine label looks like, what size box yourcrackers come in, and how close you are sitting to the popcorn bowl?Well, food manufacturers and advertisers think about this stuff all thetime. And they study it exhaustively.

In his humorous and practical book, Mindless Eating,Brian Wansink, Ph.D. shares some of the secrets he has learned afteryears as a scientist studying food psychology. The studies he sharesrange from fascinating to hilarious.

Wansink looks at the biological, the psychological and the socialreasons why most Americans eat more than they think and in the end heoffers practical tips for changing our eating habits for the better.Not another diet, mind you. Wansink points out that since many of usdon’t even know when we are overeating, we can make changes towardeating less without noticing either. The best diet, according toWansink, is the one you don’t know you are on.

Intrigued, I put some of the book’s theories to the test. If I leftboxes of raisins on the kitchen counter instead of an open package ofcookies, would the kids eat these instead? Yes. If I cut up a plate ofraw vegetables and placed it strategically within small people’s reachjust before lunch would the kids eat more vegetables instead of fillingup on crackers? Yes. If I served a small portion of ice cream and thenput the container waaaaay in the back of the freezer, would I reallynot even think about having any more? Yes. If I made healthy foods moreconvenient and readily available in the refrigerator would familymembers (including me!) reach for these first instead of looking forsweet or salty snacks? Yes.

If you are interested in weight loss and nutrition, you will find Mindless Eating an eye-opening read.

talk with you about some things. Life gets busy, you know, andsometimes I just don’t get around to telling you the important stuff.

Like that I love your tiny hands. I love the sweet way yourminiature fingers curl over mine and then stretch open again. I lovethe way you hold your breath and gasp from the ticklishness of it allwhen I stroke the soles of your tiny feet. I love the warmth and weightof you—all of you, perfectly slumped—in the crook of my arm while I amoccupied with other things. I love how I sometimes forget I am evenholding you because we are so naturally connected. I love the quiet,wide-eyed way you watch us—this crazy family into which you wereborn—from your chair, from your swing, and from your siblings’ arms. Ilove your fuzzy-wuzzy, sweet-smelling head. I love the way your tinymouth hangs partly open while you sleep, peaceful and carefree, in mylap. I love that you are still small enough to need me more thananything else in the world and that you trust me unconditionally.

I’m sorry that the world is not as perfect as it should be for aninnocent little person like you. I’m sorry that there is pain andugliness, sadness and imperfection in the world. I’m sorry for all thetimes I know are yet to come when I will fail to be a perfect mother toyou.

I pray that you will one day transfer your perfect trust in me intoa perfect trust in God, because He will make up for where I am lacking.And come what may, I pray that you will never doubt this: You are lovedmuch, by many, every day, and forever.

Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shallbe brought low, and the crooked shall be made straight, and the roughways shall be made smooth; and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.
Luke 3:5-6