Do You Eat More When in Large Groups?

I think we also tend to eat foods we wouldn't otherwise eat, too. If you're with other people, a lot of times you tend to order like they do or get talked into "trying" foods you would have passed up if you were alone.

I usually eat small meals when eating with a crowd or a large group...or I try to pace myself to eat slower, especially if we're in a restaurant, because I never finish restaurant meals.
If I'm in the mall, however, I cram my food down as quickly as possible b/c I can't stand the noise.

I hate eating in any group setting, or even with one other person (if it's not family). I think eating looks pretty gross and I hate people to see me. Especially since the first thought that would go through their mind is 'Yeeaah... like she needs MORE food.'

Whenever I eat, I partition out the amount I feel is enough food for me and eat that. If it turns out it wasn't enough, the next meal's only three hours away.

There are only about 6 people in my life total that I feel comfortable eating in front of, so no. In large groups I pretend to eat but I don't actually consume much at all.

Linds, I'm like you too. I always feel self-conscious. I eat in front of my close friends and family and coworkers ok, but in front of strangers? Aside from the "will I spill it on my shirt" and "do I have lettuce in my teeth" concerns, there is the "yeah, like she needs more food" thought in there too.

If I'm in the mall, I tend to get the small sub at Subway regardless (or the equivalent from a local sandwich shop), so I don't eat more because it is already "portion-controlled". I have an issue with eating more than I should in occasions like barbecues or birthday parties, where the food is out there for hours and hours. If I sit down and have a meal, I always eat the same amount, but if I graze for hours, I end up feeling a bit overstuffed. So now I try to treat finger-food as a meal too - I get a plate, put a portion on it, and eat just that.

OMG, I hate eating in front of people in large groups. It always makes me feel self-conscious. I guess I feel like eating is somehow something that I shouldn't be doing or something. So when I'm in a large group, I tend to eat smaller portions to prove that I'm ladylike or something like that.

Wow, I never knew people were self-conscious about eating. I love food, and nothing stops me from enjoying it fully.

Ryan said:
Wow, I never knew people were self-conscious about eating. I love food, and nothing stops me from enjoying it fully.[...]

Same here - I love the social interaction that's part of eating with friends or family; eating alone is just eating...in a group, it's enjoying the meal, the conversation and lively interaction all at once!

When I'm in large groups and eating, I'm usually eating mindlessly, so I eat more than I should or need. I'm usually paying attention to other things (conversation, the entertainment, etc.) while I stuff my face in group settings. So, I can see how group eating does encourage us to eat more.

Ryan said:
Whenever I eat, I partition out the amount I feel is enough food for me and eat that. If it turns out it wasn't enough, the next meal's only three hours away.[...]

Bingo! However, I do notice that others tend to eat more in group settings. My team and I usually go out to lunch as a group once a quarter. Just about everyone gets more than they can possibly eat at one sitting. AND it is very tempting to grab a cookie or a salad along with an entree. But if you just take a moment to discern how much you really need to eat in that one setting, you will see that a 3-course lunch is not required!

Ryan said:
Wow, I never knew people were self-conscious about eating. I love food, and nothing stops me from enjoying it fully.[...]

If you had, while sitting in a dinner party, eating steamed spinach, 3oz boiled chicken, and 3oz boiled yam you brought from home in a tupperware, out of a dessert plate because it was that little, heard stuff like "You said you are on a diet? Well, if I were on a diet eating as much as you are eating there, I would gain weight, not lose weight. I don't think this is going to work", or just generally heard the "tsk, tsk" followed by an eye roll from strangers whenever you eat or drink anything that is not water - it could be a diet soda, or a salad with no dressing, it doesn't matter - you'd be self-conscious, Ryan. You have never been overweight. I have been morbidly obese. The last time I was fat enough to get any of those reactions was in late 2001, so more than 5 years ago, but I don't think I'll always feel comfortable grocery shopping, eating in public, or exercising outside again. I do these things, but I'm always expecting the "tsk, tsk" or someone to moo at me from a passing car.

ever, not always.

Jan said:
You have never been overweight.[...]

Actually, at my very worst in college, I was probably 27-28% body fat. Still, it never bothered me. In college, my grades were my focus, not my health and weight. My approach to life is "Do what you know to be optimal". If you follow that, then no negative comments will phase you, because you are already doing the best you can. I never listen to insults or criticism, only suggestions and arguments, because those at least might lead me to a more optimal path.

I'm guess what I'm saying is you just need to have intense focus. If someone was stupid enough to say, when I was overweight, that I shouldn't have anything besides water, I shouldn't spare the biological energy it takes for my brain to process the sounds that come out of their mouths into words. It's kind of like how when I begin a set in the weight room, I don't hear, I don't see. My entire mind is form, tempo, muscle focus, etc. I've had people come up and start talking about how strange my exercises are in the middle of a set, and I didn't notice they were saying anything until the set was over.

My husband and I had the same observations. I always thought it was social anxiety. My husband thought it was because there's so much more yummier food at a party or gathering and that there is nothing else to do but eat. Reading the study you presented, I wonder if it's a survivial reflex. The more people, the more you would think there'll be less to go around, resulting in quick consumption. Just a thought.

some times, but only to make people think i eat more than i do, so they don't worry about me

i absolutely hate eating in front of boys... i am a girl and i acn only eat in front of my very close boy mates. i coudlnt even eat in front of my boyfriend when i had one... what is wrong with me? im so self concious that i would just starve myself if i was with a boy... especially one i like. whenever boys ask me out to dinner i always refuse?? i hate it.... :(

Don't worry, i know how you feel. i hate eating in front of my boyfriend. i don't know why. i guess i feel self-concious and awkward. but i love him so i don't want him to think it's him.and sometimes he wants to go eat and i make up an excuse so i don't have to go. i am scared that soon he will notice and ask questions. i don't know what to do...

I no how you feel too .. ive been with my boyfriend for 2 months not that long i suppose but ive never eat infront of him and tonight he said he wonted to go for a 'sunday lunch' with his mate and there girlfriend, i couldnt make up an excuse as i couldnt think of one at the time. Now im panicking because i know i cant eat infront of him i'd feel silly and i suppose fat! i hate not eating infront of him and i know like you said Kirsten ''i don't want him to think it's him'' i dont know what to do can someone help? or give advise please