The Psychology of Eating and Drinking: 3rd Edition

by Alexandra W. Logue

Our fascination with eating and drinking behaviors and their causes has resulted in a huge industry of food-related pop science. Every bookstore, every magazine stand, every grocery store checkout counter is filled with publications about how to get your child to eat vegetables, how to tell if someone has an eating disorder or, most commonly, how to lose weight. But the degree to which any of these is based on scientific research is very limited. In contrast to the literature for the general reader, the scientific research on eating and drinking behaviors is usually too technical for the general reader. The Psychology of Eating and Drinking is a unique volume; a textbook that can be comprehended by the general educated reader. Just as in her past editions of this book, Alexandra Logue grounds her investigation into the complex interactions between our physiology, our surroundings, and our eating and drinking habits in laboratory research and up-to-date scientific information. The chapters move from the general -- hunger and thirst, taste and smell, and eating behaviors -- to the more specialized -- overeating and overdrinking, anorexia and bulimia, and alcohol use. In each case, Logue provides a brief synopsis of the most historically influential scientific research and then relates this history to the most up to date advances. This method provides the reader with a general introduction to the physiology of sensations related to eating and drinking and how these sensations are influenced by the individual's social surroundings. The Psychology of Eating and Drinking provides the general reader and student with a biological and psychological framework to understand his or her eating behaviors.

Genres: Psychology, Nonfiction, Food, Nutrition

376 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1985

Reviews

[Daniel · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointing. Biggest loser tv show era insights, seemingly out of date. Not aware of new drugs (ozempic, say) not that these are any better. But the book is still back on fen phen leaving the market. It also acts as if weight watchers is long term useful. And quotes studies that seem to be sponsored by ww. Tho it also expresses some doubt on these.

What I had hoped for was a discussion on the actual psychology — in depth — of health and dieting, and related matters. For example,
What is the ancient cardinal sin of gluttony? Is there any basis to this in psychology, as well as spirituality?

No, not going there? Well, what are the key 9 items or whatever that truly distinguished the ***5%*** of people who lose weight and keep it off? Also her exploration of exercise and diet is juvenile.

And what of the new chemistry of hormones / insulin related diets? She seems still wedded to a caloric model (though she does talk about insulin, insulin resistance, as well as diabetes, and points out the relation between heart disease and diabetes).

She gives an example of someone being paid for weight loss without the analogues of someone being paid for grades. In both cases these tend to fail.

There were hopeful moments where she touched on new research — tho old now. But these statements were full of may. And at least she got to low glycemic index.

This is a competent if far out of date and pretty much useless book. One does not wish to be harsh. And one could congratulate the author for not offering a panacea, as so many self help books would.

But this is old hat, out of date, and frankly not helpful. And a waste of time.

The one benefit is the emphasis on exercise of about 1 hour a day. I think this is very in keeping wiyh continuing latest research . Tho it had little to do with psychology.

I regret picking this book up!

I am still interested in a truly focused investigation of psych/philosophy/& spiritual cardinal virtues, moderation,!/!: cardinal sins, like gluttony. When do these occur? What effect do they have on health? And emotional and cognitive well being and failures? What tends toward resilience in these areas?

[Haris Odobasic · Rating 2 out of 5]

The authors sense of humor is a disaster. My condolences to the students that have to endure a lecture of her.

[Anna Rodnishcheva · Rating 5 out of 5]

A nice book but I expected it to be more philosophical.

[Sunny · Rating 3 out of 5]

comprehensive + clear exploration of the psychology of why and how we eat when and what we eat. just a lot of things I already knew, not much new insight

[Ariel Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book - simply engaging through & through. If anything could be said against it, or in the potentially negative category, it would be that it's a psychology book. Despite the great topic(s) covered, the book is incredibly dense. Sometimes I had to read the sentences several times over to even begin to understand what the author was trying to convey. In addition, every other sentence equivocates; the author refuses to commit to even the smallest detail.

But, that's how science (& the law) works!

[HARTATI · Rating 2 out of 5]

The world around us and many different parts of our bodies work together in determining whether or not we eat, and, therefore, so should our investigations. Such research will require the efforts of scientists whose work is interdisciplinary or who are skilled in more than one area. What's so exciting is that many scientists are capable of rising to this challenge ( page 32)

[Andrea Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

The examples and anecdotes were helpful in understanding the concepts of food's relationships with psychology.