Why We Eat What We Do

Most people assume food decisions are purely a matter of willpower or preference. In reality, the reasons we eat what we eat are layered, complex, and often subconscious. Biology, psychology, environment, culture, and even marketing play powerful roles in food choice.

For example, we are wired to seek out calorie-dense, highly palatable foods. Our brains reward us with dopamine when we eat salty, fatty, or sweet foods because, evolutionarily, those represented survival. Add to this the convenience of modern ultra-processed foods, and it's no surprise that preference often wins out over nutrition.

But if your goal is physique optimisation, there will be times when preference and performance aren't aligned. You may need to favour satiety over sensory pleasure. You may need to eat more protein, even if you're "not a meat person," or choose whole foods that require prep rather than packets that don’t.

This isn’t about restriction—it's about alignment. Understanding why you gravitate toward certain foods can help reduce shame and increase awareness. And from there, you can begin to make informed choices that serve your long-term goals, not just short-term satisfaction.

The more intentional you are, the more preference will start to shift in your favour. Over time, the foods that fuel your best self will become the ones you want.