14 DAY TRIAL // Performing rituals such as giving thanks, singing happy birthday and saying grace right before sitting down to eat makes food taste better than it normally would, researchers claim.
The scientists cannot say why this happens, but they are convinced this is the reason why almost everybody has some wacky things that they absolutely must do before actually starting to eat.
Experiments carried out with the help of volunteers have shown that, when asked to eat a carrot in a certain way, i.e. following a very precise ritual, people find the vegetable more enticing, The Telegraph reports.
Oddly enough, it appears that watching others perform these rituals has absolutely no effect on how a person perceives the food flavors.
Thus, volunteers asked to rate a lemonade after observing others methodically prepare it did not think much of the beverage.
The scientists say that this proves that personal involvement is of utmost importance.
As mystical as things may sound, I for one think it all boils down to anticipation. And I know this because, every time I sing “Happy birthday,” I'm not really thinking about how happy I am a dear old friend of mine has just turned 20 or whatever.
I'm just thinking about how badly I want a slice of cake. This is what makes it taste so good when I finally get the chance to eat it.