Tag: Cognitive dissonance

According to research from Newcastle University, the study of cognitive dissonance in food and nutrition has been historically underdeveloped, yet it is a powerful force influencing our eating habits. This article will explore what is cognitive dissonance with food and the deep psychological conflicts that drive our dietary decisions, from health concerns to ethical dilemmas.

According to food anthropologist Claude Fischler, humans face a constant tension between two conflicting instincts when it comes to eating: neophilia (a curiosity for new foods) and neophobia (a fear of the unknown). This psychological dynamic is known as the omnivore's paradox, and it has played a critical role in human survival and dietary evolution. It explains why we crave variety but also approach new ingredients with caution, a behavior shaped by millennia of trial and error with potentially toxic substances.

According to Dr. Melanie Joy, the founder of the concept of carnism, the ideology is upheld by a specific set of defense mechanisms that prevent people from questioning their dietary choices. These mechanisms work to suppress the cognitive dissonance that arises when a person who values compassion participates in a system that causes animal harm.

Psychologist Melanie Joy coined the term 'carnism' in 2001 to describe the invisible belief system that conditions people to eat certain animals. This ideology normalizes the consumption of meat, dairy, and eggs, while hiding the ethical contradictions from view.

According to a 2021 study in *BMC Medicine*, individuals who consumed meat regularly reported more adverse health consequences compared to those who ate it less frequently. The question, "why do I feel bad when I eat meat?" often stems from a combination of these physical discomforts and underlying psychological factors that many people experience but fail to recognize. This article will delve into the complexities behind this common issue, offering insight into both mind and body.

Over 3 billion people globally rely on seafood as a primary protein source. This makes understanding what is the pescatarian paradox—the cognitive dissonance of consuming aquatic life while often prioritizing animal welfare and sustainability—more critical than ever for conscious eaters navigating their dietary choices.