Encyclopedia of Nutritional Psychology

Eating that occurs automatically and routinely, often triggered by environmental cues rather than hunger, and carried out with little conscious thought.

Habitual intake refers to the regular and continuous intake of a food or substance instead of occasional intake. ‘Occasional’ intake is defined as having dessert 1-3 times per week, for…

The health halo effect occurs when consumers perceive a product as healthy based on one or a few positive attributes (e.g., "low fat" or "high fiber") despite the product containing…

Health literacy refers to the ability of individuals to obtain, understand, and apply health information to make informed decisions about their health and well-being. It encompasses skills such as reading,…

Health psychology is a field that examines how biological, psychological, and social factors collectively influence health and illness. Originating from the bio-psycho-social model, health psychology aims to develop and apply…

Healthy eating behaviors involve balanced, mindful eating guided by hunger and satiety cues. They support physical health, emotional well-being, cognitive function, and a positive relationship with food.

Relating to or considered in terms of pleasant (or unpleasant) sensations.

Hedonic eating refers to food consumption driven by pleasure, palatability, and reward rather than by physiological energy need. It arises when the brain's reward circuitry — particularly mesolimbic dopamine pathways…

Hedonic hunger refers to a strong desire or preoccupation with consuming food for the enjoyment and pleasure it brings rather than responding to actual physical hunger cues. It involves craving…

Hedonic "override" describes situations where the motivation to eat persists despite satiety signals, driven by the brain’s reward systems rather than physiological energy needs. This occurs when highly palatable food…