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EATING HABITS AND THEIR RELATIONSHIP WITH PERSONAL
PSYCHOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Egamova Ozodakhon Saydamkulovna
National University of Uzbekistan
Faculty of Social Sciences
Teacher of the Department of Social Work
+998937680224.
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15675632
Abstract.
This thesis analyzes the relationship between human eating
habits and their personal psychological characteristics. It is highlighted based on
scientific sources that food choice behavior, eating time, quantity, and the need
to eat are directly related to a person's character, emotional state, and stress
level. Also, recommendations are given on the differences in eating between
psychotypes, emotional eating states, and psychological health.
Keywords:
eating habits, psychological characteristics, emotional eating,
stress, personality types, healthy eating, psychological health.
Eating habits, which are an integral part of human life, are not only a
biological need, but also an important factor related to psychological state and
personal character. In recent years, research conducted at the intersection of
psychology and nutrition sciences shows that what food people eat, when, and
how much they eat largely depends on their internal experiences, mental state,
and personality type.
Nutrition is the process of receiving and assimilating nutrients necessary
for the normal functioning of the human div, maintaining health and working
capacity. Proper and regular nutrition strengthens a person's immunity, reduces
the likelihood of developing various diseases, and helps to more easily tolerate
existing diseases. In addition, rational nutrition also plays an important role in
preventing premature aging of the human div.
In some cases, in diseases of the cardiovascular system, gastrointestinal
tract and other vital organs, a specially designed diet and special diets become
an important component of the treatment process.
In order for food to ensure balanced development and continuous
functioning of the div, it must correspond in quantity and quality to factors
such as the age, gender, profession, and physical activity of the person. The
physiological needs of the human div are constantly changing depending on
external environmental conditions, internal conditions, and lifestyle. Therefore,
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it is practically difficult to define a diet that is absolutely universal at all stages of
life.
However, the div has special control mechanisms - regulatory systems -
that separate and absorb nutrients from food. These systems ensure the
selection and absorption of necessary substances depending on the current
needs of the human div. However, these regulatory mechanisms are also
limited. This flexibility is particularly weak in children and the elderly.
There are also some important nutrients that cannot be synthesized by the
div, among which vitamins and essential amino acids occupy a special place.
These substances must enter the human div in a ready state - through properly
selected food. If these requirements are not taken into account and the diet is of
poor quality, various diseases may occur.
That is, each person should establish a proper and balanced diet in
accordance with their individual needs, consider it as a key factor in maintaining
health and preventing various diseases. People's attitude towards food is closely
related to their stress tolerance, level of anxiety, and mental stability. For
example, some people have a decreased appetite during stress, while others
tend to eat more. This condition is called "emotional eating" in psychology.
It is also worth noting that the Islamic religion pays great attention not only
to a person's spiritual life, but also to his physical health. Like any living being, a
person needs nutrition. If a person's soul is nourished through faith, righteous
deeds, learning science, and reading books, then his div is nourished through
halal and pure food and clean drinks. Therefore, in Islam, the issue of nutrition is
viewed not just as a physical need, but as a spiritual and moral issue close to
worship.
Moderation, halalness, and purity are the main principles of Islamic dietary
guidelines. In the Holy Quran, Allah Almighty calls upon believers not to waste
and to refrain from excessive consumption. This is important not only for
economic reasons, but also from the point of view of maintaining health and
ensuring social justice. Halalness in food consumption - that is, the use of
products that Allah Almighty has permitted and declared pure - is an obligation
for every Muslim.
Washing hands before and after eating is one of the Sunnah acts. In a hadith
narrated by Salman, one of the companions of the Prophet Muhammad (peace
and blessings of Allah be upon him), it is said: “The blessing of food is in washing
before it and washing after it.” This is not only hygienically beneficial, but also an
important habit for spiritual purity and achieving the pleasure of Allah.
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Another important etiquette is for respected people, i.e. people of
knowledge and elders, to start the meal at the head of the table. When our
Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) ate with us, the companions
would not touch the food until he started. Hudhayfah (may Allah be pleased with
him) said about this: “We used to eat with the Prophet (peace and blessings of
Allah be upon him), and none of us would touch the food until he started.”
In Islam, any good deed begins with saying “Bismillah” (in the name of
Allah). Saying “Bismillah” before eating is starting this deed with the name of
Allah and asking for His blessings. This is not only a Sunnah, but also an
important remembrance that connects the heart to Allah.
Also, the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him)
liked to start from the right side in every matter. Therefore, eating food with the
right hand is a sunnah, and this practice is a follower of our Prophet. While
eating, everyone should eat the food in front of them and not reach out to
someone else. This etiquette is a sign of respect and order. Reaching out to food
in front of others is considered rude.
These eating etiquette are not just external culture, but acts of worship that
bring a Muslim closer to Allah through every daily action. Therefore, these
etiquettes must be taught to children from a young age and maintained in
families and society. Unfortunately, these values are being forgotten in some
societies. On the contrary, we are trying to preserve them, pass them on from
generation to generation, and perpetuate them.
Psychological types (introvert-extrovert, neurotic, emotional, disciplined,
etc.) make a significant difference in food choices and eating habits:
Extroverts - often tend to eat in a group, try new dishes.
Introverts - prefer familiar, safe foods, enjoy eating alone.
Impulsive individuals - tend to eat quickly without thinking.
Highly anxious individuals - often strive for diets, but this may not last
long.
In addition, one of the main rules of modern medicine and a healthy
lifestyle is to eat in an amount that corresponds to the daily energy needs of the
human div. Insufficient intake of calories or, conversely, excessive
consumption of calories can lead to serious health problems. For example, due
to a calorie deficit, a person experiences general weakness, decreased activity,
and weight loss. On the contrary, overeating leads to obesity and can cause
dangerous diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and hypertension.
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Therefore, diet plays an important role in food culture. Diet is not just a
restriction, but also the timing, quantity, composition, and proper distribution of
calories in each meal. Experts recommend that healthy people eat three to four
times a day. Each meal should last at least 30 minutes, as this is important for
the div to fully digest food and get the most out of it.
Food culture serves not only to maintain health, but also reflects aesthetic
education and the cultural level of society. The compatibility of food products
with each other, their digestion in the div, enjoyment of food, the art of
preparing and decorating food are also part of this culture. This culture is
expressed not only in the home, but also at official events and celebrations.
Eating at formal banquets and receptions is different from ordinary
everyday meals. It requires a certain order and culture from the participants. In
particular, the aesthetic decoration of the table, the arrangement of dishes,
cutlery, glasses and wine glasses, and the correct order of their use are
important. The sequence of eating is important, first salads and snacks should be
served, then main (hot) dishes, and finally desserts and fruits.
At formal events, food serves not only to nourish the div, but also to fulfill
a certain social function, namely, communication, negotiation, and exchange of
ideas between guests. Therefore, in such cases, enjoying the food is secondary,
and the important aspect is to act in accordance with the culture of the event.
Drinks also require special attention. For example, cocktails should be
served in special glasses, and coffee in cups. Desserts and fruits can be served in
aesthetically pleasing dishes - wooden plates or disposable plastic cups. At the
same time, mini forks or spoons should be provided for the convenience of
guests.
It is polite to start eating at banquets only after the host invites you. Guests
patiently take turns eating, starting with the first snacks. This is not only a sign
of social etiquette, but also a sign of organizational order and respect.
Therefore, the development of a food culture is not only learning the rules
of eating, but also one of the important steps taken towards maintaining health,
cultivating aesthetic taste, and forming social culture. Every intelligent person
should deeply understand this culture and make it an integral part of their life.
In many cases, people overeat in situations such as loneliness, sadness,
boredom, and anxiety. Such eating indicates that psychological needs (love,
attention, security) are not satisfied. Situations of controlling emotions through
food have a negative impact on health in the long term.
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Eating psychology is a field of psychology aimed at studying the emotional
states, thoughts, and behaviors of people during the eating process, and it
analyzes psychological factors in eating. This field covers topics such as how to
control appetite, change eating habits, and the impact of eating on mental health.
The psychology of eating covers the following areas:
Psychological effects of eating: It studies what feelings and thoughts a
person has when eating, and how food affects their mental state.
Appetite management: It analyzes the possibilities of increasing or
decreasing appetite through eating, and also studies the influence of the
psychological environment on appetite.
Changes in eating habits: It focuses on analyzing how eating speed, eating
duration, and other behaviors change.
Nutritional psychology plays an important role in working with the
following groups:
Working with students: Conducts educational activities aimed at developing
healthy eating, appetite control, and healthy eating habits among them.
Working with children: It is important to teach children the impact of
nutrition on their mental state, as well as healthy eating habits from an early
age.
Working with family and loved ones: Informing family members about the
psychological aspects of nutrition and helping them change their daily eating
habits in a positive way are among the tasks of this field.
In general, the psychology of eating is a relevant scientific direction that
includes an in-depth analysis of people's internal experiences, thought
processes, and behaviors during eating.
Healthy eating provides not only physical, but also psychological health.
Healthy eating habits strengthen self-control, stress management, and discipline
in a person. Therefore, nutrition psychology is considered an integral part of a
healthy lifestyle.
1
Conclusion, A person's eating habits and psychological state have a strong
influence on each other. Forming a diet in accordance with psychological
characteristics is an important factor in strengthening health and maintaining
mental balance. In this direction, the cooperation of psychologists and
nutritionists is becoming an integral part of a modern healthy lifestyle.
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