Right Idea, Wrong Emphasis

I just read an article in Psychology Today -- "With Dieting, Success Is in the Details," in the May/June 2008 issue -- that was very close to being excellent. Unfortunately, the focus was off.

The article recapped a study that said that focusing on the details of an eating experience could make the eater take longer to consume the food and also make him feel more satisfied. It also suggested that those who didn't focus on details (in the study, the details in question were the exact flavors of a group of jelly beans) suffered declining enjoyment more quickly.

Absolutely! Eating mindfully, with all of the senses, is a fantastic way to tune into the body's responses, which include pleasure and fullness. It can significantly increase the satisfaction from a meal, a snack, or even a bite.

Alas, the article framed the findings as a way to make dieting more successful. It's true that eating mindfully (or sensually) can lead to weight loss, but to make dieting the focus is to miss the point. Your body knows what it needs and when it's full, and mindful eating lets you get all the satisfaction that your food can deliver. In essence, more satisfaction is packed into each bite. Whether you're eating steamed asparagus or a chocolate eclair, mindful eating can help you to enjoy without getting out of control.

Of course, talking about dieting makes for a more grabby headline. It just doesn't go all the way toward helping readers have good relationships with food.

• How to eat chocolate with confidence
• My take on Intuitive Eating, which takes mindfulness to the next level
• Leaving old eating to experience "life after eating disorders"