WHAT DO YOUR TASTE BUDS SAY ABOUT YOU?
ACCORDING to top psychologist Dr Jen Nash, our food tastes can reveal a lot more than what we like to eat.
‘Is it just a coincidence that words describing our major food tastes also express personality characteristics? Research would say no,’ she says. ‘Those we know who are “sweet”, “bitter” or “sour” may describe their food preferences as much as their temperament.’
EARLY EATING HABITS
THE types of food we tend to crave are often shaped in childhood. They’re generally based on what we were given as children as a reward or a treat, or to make us feel better when we were upset.
Food has never just been about fuel for the body — ever since infancy, being fed is linked with feeling loved, cared for and soothed.
As we grow up, food can also become a short cut for dealing with life experiences that are difficult to ‘digest’ such as abuse, trauma, grief and bullying among others.
If, for instance, a parent of carer gave you chocolate or sweets to make you feel better after falling and hurting yourself, you learn to associate sugary food with feelings of happiness. If they gave you a healing, salty soup when you felt low, that could lead you to crave those flavours when you hit a dip in life.
WHAT YOUR FAVOURITE FOOD SAYS ABOUT YOU SPICY FOOD LOVERS
YOU’RE more likely to be a risk taker and enjoy seeking the ‘high’ of thrilling
BITTER TASTES
IF YOU savour black coffee, tonic water or radishes, you’re more likely to have anti-social personality traits, such as being manipulative or insensitive, or even show psychopathic traits. Gin and tonic, anyone?!
SWEET STUFf
YOU’RE more likely to be agreeable and help others in need, with no expectation of reward.
SOUR FOOD
SOME may say you’re critical and harsh on those around you; you’d say you just have high standards.
SALTINESS
YOU prefer instant rewards, are likely to be competitive and get frustrated by daily hassles like traffic queues.
TAKE THIS WITH A PINCH OF SALT
AS DR Jen Nash explains: ‘While this research is fascinating, it does need to be interpreted broadly, as our food preferences are influenced by a multitude of factors.
‘The preferences of those shopping and cooking for us, what’s actually available and family/cultural patterns all play a part.’
So, while taking note of your first date’s menu choices may be enlightening, don’t be too quick to jump to conclusions when a black coffee follows a G&T!