A Johns Hopkins study found that music has the ability to influence the speed with which we eat. Slow music slows us down: test subjects listening to slow music downed three mouthfuls of food per minute, as compared to the five mouthfuls diners listening to a fast beat consumed.
Hoteliers and restaurateurs know that taste is only one aspect of a good meal. A recent British survey examined consumer responses over eighteen evenings. Diners were treated to classical music, pop music or no music during their meals. Results showed that people were willing to (and actually did) spend more money on the evenings they ate to the strains of classical music.
What does this mean to the average dieter?
Be aware that sounds -- and music, especially -- can trigger eating habits you may or may not want. If playing Christmas carols sends you into a frenzied state of Christmas baking, you might want to time your music selection accordingly. Experiment with music while you eat. Do you eat less to the strains of Bach? Or does the beat of the latest boy band have you up and moving around instead of snacking in front of the fridge?
The bottom line
Pay attention to how your body reacts to the external stimuli it receives. Sight, sound, smell, touch and taste are all part of the equation.
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