Ever wonder why at the end of a holiday feast when you have just said “I’m so stuffed, I couldn’t eat another bite!” the next words out of your mouth are: “what’s for dessert?” Or why EVERYONE overeats at an all-you-can-eat buffet?

The answer is not a hollow leg or extra stomach reserved for these occasions, but the effects of “flavor variety overload”, according to Dr. David L. Katz, M.D. of the Prevention Research Center at Yale University. A little known fact to most of us is the concept of sensory specific satiety – the well researched phenomenon that by eating too many flavors all at once, the appetite center in the hypothalamus area of the brain is put into overdrive. As appetite increases, portion control becomes next to impossible. This means that even the most disciplined palates have difficulty resisting food.

Scientific research over the last several decades has demonstrated the validity of this concept – now translated into practical terms in Dr. Katz’ new book,  “The Flavor Full Diet.” The book outlines how to thoughtfully distribute flavors in every meal so that you can enjoy delicious food, fabulous nutrition for the whole family, and still lose weight, because you will simply feel full on fewer calories. In test studies, average weight loss on the program was 16 pounds within 12 weeks; participants saw a decline in their cholesterol, blood sugar, insulin, and blood pressure levels; and experienced improvement in everything from joint pain, to irritable bowel symptoms, to energy level.

Sound interesting? For more information on Dr. David Katz, please visit his website at www.davidkatzmd.com. To learn more about his new book or to buy a copy, click here.