Your eating environment affects your eating habits. In a world where processed food is ubiquitous, the kitchen is one of the only eating environments consumers are in control of.

Keeping healthy food out on the counter, such as a fruit bowl, is correlated with a lower BMI, while the presence of cookies and baked goods in eyesight is associated with a higher BMI.

Researchers at Cornell found a correlation between having snack food items out on the counter and higher BMIs.

Even toasters out on the counter is associated a with higher BMI. If you see a toaster, your brain may immediately think of bagels or bread. If you see fruit or veggies out on the counter or in clear containers in the fridge, you’re more likely to eat them. You eat what you see…the “see food” diet.

We live in an ultra-processed world. Research suggests that between 60-90% of the standard American diet consists of foods and beverages that are ultra-processed. People who eat ultra-processed foods eat more (due to the addictive nature of these foods) and are at risk of developing chronic metabolic diseases.

Bottom line- set up  your kitchen for success by keeping fruits and veggies visible and packaged foods less visible in the back of the pantry, up high, or down below. Out of sight, out of mind!

And remember- veggies can be snack foods, especially when you have a good dip!