The inability to control appetite is related to this! Study: What you order may be influenced by your companions

Is it really because my brain waves are too weak? We often don’t pay attention to what we eat, but we definitely look at what others order. We see tempting brownies or matcha layer cakes on social media platforms such as Pinterest and Instagram, and then we might want to order one in real life. And when you're dining with friends, what they order will influence what you order and how much you eat.

Studies show that people tend to order the same food as their friends and family because we want to fit in, want to be part of the group, and don’t want to be labeled as having poor self-control. A study in the journal Appetite found that even if a person hadn't eaten for 24 hours, they would not eat much if their companions didn't order anything. But if others eat a lot, then you might do the same.

But even so, you can still make good choices. Psychology experts share 3 tips to teach you how to regain control over food and successfully get through the following three dining situations that may make you waver. Not only can you maintain your physical health, you can also maintain your friendship with your besties. You can also have a good figure without deliberately losing weight. Your friend says, "Everyone get some fries!"

At a Saturday night dinner, a friend ordered a large order of fries without asking others for their opinion. When the chips finally arrive, you start to struggle: You really want to stick to your healthy eating plan. “Let’s face it, we all like to eat with people who are happy to eat because we can eat with peace of mind,” says Leone, a Toronto-based experimental psychologist who specializes in group eating interactions. Her research found that people rated their friends who ate a lot as friendlier, smarter, more likable and interesting than their friends who ate less. Therefore, when a large portion of French fries is served to the table, you will instinctively want to join in, because French fries not only satisfy your taste buds, but also bring you and your friends closer.

How to cope

Take a moment to consider whether social pressures are overriding your physical needs. If you don't want to eat fries, don't eat them. "We tend to eat unhealthy foods with our friends because we trust their judgment, even when we don't," says Dana Udall-Weiner, Ph.D., a psychologist and founder of ED Educate, a resource site on food issues. "So when they're binging on something, joining them won't make you feel as guilty as if you were eating it alone." If you don't want to draw attention to yourself by not eating, eat a few fries and then call it a day.

You said, "Salad, only me"

You go to lunch with three colleagues. The waiter started taking everyone's orders. Hamburger first, hamburger second, and hamburger third! now you. You said timidly, "Eh...I'll have a vegetable salad, thank you!" Looking at the others you almost wanted to apologize. You eat healthily, making others look unhealthy in comparison. "You'll want to explain because you're worried they'll think that and not like you." And that's true. Research shows that people are less likely to like those who order lighter, healthier meals.

So handle

Just order the salad, resist the urge to apologize, and change the subject. Experts say, "In fact, you don't need to be responsible for what your friends eat or make them feel anxious or guilty. If you don't explain too much, others will know your preferences and can choose with confidence next time!" It is recommended that you order first next time to avoid embarrassment. “We want to order similar things as other people,” said Janet, a psychology professor. “If the first person orders a salad, others will probably follow suit.”

Your friend says, "I want to pack up the rest."

You and your friends go to a new place and order some awesome fried chicken. When it’s almost time to pay the bill and you haven’t taken a few bites, your friend suddenly says, “Can I pack up the rest?” Now he’s looking at you as if asking, “Do you want to pack up the rest, too?” says psychologist Leone. "Your friend has set a rule to eat very little, and if you continue to eat, it will seem like you are eating too much."

How to deal with it

This is a moment of courage: if you are not full yet, please trust your body and keep eating. Experts warn: "If you stop before you're full, you may end up overeating later." But if after this pause, you think you're probably full, then follow your friend's lead and advice. His healthy eating habits may also affect yours. A study shows that if two friends have small appetites, the third friend will also eat less. "Friends can sometimes be a good influence," the researchers said.

Read the full article on VOGUE.com