Color is a powerful element in our lives.  Color can affect our perception and approach to many aspects of our lives.  We know color can affect mood, but did you know it also plays an important role in what we eat and how much we eat?  Over the years, more and more research has been conducted on how color affects our perception of taste, and our appetite, and even how it can affect weight loss.

Our early ancestors depended heavily upon color when they were looking for food, knowing certain colored foods were likely dangerous to consume.  According to color scientists, the early man probably avoided foods that were blue, purple, and black in color when they were foraging.  Today, I think with a few notable exceptions like blueberries, we tend still to turn away from foods that are these colors.  Instead, we are inclined to gravitate toward foods that we consider more “acceptable” in color.  While it can vary from culture to culture, people generally prefer foods that are green, brown, or red in color.  Gives new meaning to the idea of adding more color to your plate in terms of eating more fruits and vegetables, doesn’t it?

It’s therefore not too surprising that one of the primary colors researchers have found that stimulates our appetite is red.  Apparently, warm colors like red and yellow can rev up your appetite while colors like blue can actually slow it down, even to the point of making you sleepy.  It may sound farfetched but think about this.  When we eat, generally one of the first senses we engage in sight.  The look of food gets the neurons in our hypothalamus all fired up.  

Studies conducted by the University of Washington on the perception of taste and how it’s affected by color explained this idea even more.  The studies concluded that people learn and become familiar with specific color and taste combinations. Food that looks a certain way becomes associated with tasting a certain way.  This forms the basis for our perceptions and creates clear expectations about how food should smell and taste.  Thus, if it doesn’t look good, or the way we think it should look, we sure aren’t going to eat it.

The color of our surroundings when we are eating also has an impact on how much we eat.  Ever been in a restaurant that is brightly colored and the music is fast-paced and upbeat?  If so, chances are you probably ate more food at a faster pace.  Restaurants that are darker in color and where the music is slow generally have you eating slower, which surprisingly can mean you also eat more because you find yourself lingering more.  So, what’s the answer?  Restaurants sporting a neutral-colored palette where the music is in between a slow and fast tempo often offer the best atmosphere for eating.  

Of course, it is not realistic to suggest you pick a place to eat simply because of its color palette.  However, I think it is helpful to know because if you are conscious of the impact your surroundings will have on your eating habits, the more you can manage them.  Furthermore, if you eat at home, where you have more control over your environment, you might want to consider changing the color of your dining room, or even your dishes.  After all, every little bit helps in our quest to eat healthy.