The Omnivorous Mind

Child Development

Growing a "Theory of Food"

John S Allen Ph.D. on October 6, 2014

Recent studies highlight the importance of the food environments for children, even those less than one-year-old, in shaping dietary habits and health later in childhood. These studies point to early childhood as a critical period for the development of a "theory of food" that shapes how adults both eat and "think" the food they eat.

Recent studies highlight the importance of the food environments for children, even those less than one-year-old, in shaping dietary habits and health later in childhood. These studies point to early childhood as a critical period for the development of a "theory of food" that shapes how adults both eat and "think" the food they eat.

Memory

A Recipe for Working Memory and Brain Health

John S Allen Ph.D. on November 28, 2012

Food preparation, especially cooking, is a multi-step process involving multiple tools, materials, and senses. The evolution of a human way of food preparation may have been a critical factor in human cognitive evolution. Regularly participating in food preparation, along with maintaining an active intellectual and social life, may help preserve brain health in aging.

Food preparation, especially cooking, is a multi-step process involving multiple tools, materials, and senses. The evolution of a human way of food preparation may have been a critical factor in human cognitive evolution. Regularly participating in food preparation, along with maintaining an active intellectual and social life, may help preserve brain health in aging.

Diet

Why Is 'Foodie' a Dirty Word (for Some)?

John S Allen Ph.D. on November 8, 2012

Foodie is not an identity that all foodies want to take on.

Foodie is not an identity that all foodies want to take on.

Is shopping at the farmers market enjoyable because of the quality of the food or the quality of the experience? Or both?

Cognition

Haggis on My Mind

John S Allen Ph.D. on April 30, 2012

The human mind makes sense of the world in part by classifying its contents, and food is one of the most important things people classify. Although some people might be reluctant to eat it, haggis is a food.

The human mind makes sense of the world in part by classifying its contents, and food is one of the most important things people classify. Although some people might be reluctant to eat it, haggis is a food.