Color and the visual appeal of food are so closely related. Elaborate preparation goes into fine dining preparation to assure that the presentation and particularly the interaction of the colors on your plate are pleasing. The sight of it must be triggered before we want to eat it. The visual appeal of food fires neurons in the hypothalamus. Which brings us to the power of one of my favorite colors: BLUE Did you know that, except for a few foods like blueberries, the color BLUE, of all the colors in the spectrum, is a rare occurrence in nature? In addition, our deep-rooted instincts tell us to avoid foods that are blue because they tend to be poisonous. Just think about asking for more Blue lettuce on that turkey sandwich or returning your steak because it isn’t Blue enough!
On your next visit to a restaurant, take note of the use of reds and warm colors in the dining area to help stimulate our appetites and entice us to linger and ultimately eat more. And nowadays, since so many homes have the family room attached to the kitchen area, a new obstacle has been introduced in our quest to lower our caloric intake. Food is continuously present – so sitting in front of an entertainment center motionless for long periods becomes enticing. It produces an environment that encourages excess eating and inactivity. But by just painting this space in cooler shades of blue you help minimize the urge to have food as a constant companion in front of that wide-screen TV. Just as effective as Blue being used to curb the appetite, the use of deep colors such as red or golden yellow in an exercise room can be effective in making you feel more energized.
So, get started! Take advantage of an instinct and quiet that appetite by painting the wall you are facing while dining in Blue. You might even start by eating off a Blue plate! The least that can come of this minor change is your room will have a new color, and you will have gotten some exercise.
Just think, a little imagination and some paint can go a long way in helping you lose those extra pounds!
Published in Woodinville Weekly.
