First Bite

How We Learn to Eat

By: Bee Wilson

Narrated by: Alison Larkin

We do not come into the world with an innate sense of taste and nutrition; as omnivores, we have to learn how and what to eat, how sweet is too sweet, and what food will give us the most energy for the coming day. But how does this education happen? What are the origins of taste?

In First Bite, the beloved food writer Bee Wilson draws on the latest research from food psychologists, neuroscientists, and nutritionists to reveal that our food habits are shaped by a whole host of factors, including family, culture, memory, gender, hunger, and love. An exploration of the extraordinary and surprising origins of our tastes and eating habits - from people who can eat foods only of a certain color to an amnesiac who can eat meal after meal without getting full - First Bite also shows us how we can change our palates to lead healthier, happier lives.

©2015 Bee Wilson (P)2015 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Very Entertaining

Would you listen to First Bite again? Why?

I would listen again; it was so well read by Alison Larkin, and there was a lot of history and personal story details as well. I loved the mix.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Bee was my favorite; she's great, and she is not afraid to admit her mistakes and she's open minded and fun.

What about Alison Larkin’s performance did you like?

I loved Alison Larkin's performance; she can do a lot of accents and she's brilliant. Was else has she done - I'm in!

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Yes, there were parts that made me laugh and some of the history made me cry. Man, what we do to our children, UGH.

Good, but much too long for the topic

If you are really engaged with this topic, I am sure it will be fine worth the 13 hours. For most people however, the novelty and interest will wane much sooner than that.

The narrator is quality, so long as you are ok with a moderately strong British accent. She speaks well, it just takes an adjustment.

Delicious

I learned so much about why i am the way i am and got to like more foods

wholesome

no promises. but in the vein of food rules by pollan or the book about french woman dont get fat its a very uplifting overview about habits and diet in the general sense that will make your stomach seem like friendlier and more manageable terrain

Excessive Rambling

Takes excessive time for what can be summed up within 10 minutes. Rambled on with few points made.

I was not much for the narrator, which also contributed to my dislike of the book. However, that is just my personal preference and you may enjoy the narration.

Love / Like at First Bite

This was an enjoyable book. It should be on any pregnant mother's list of reading material it you want to have a baby who will not be finicky to foods. Also touched on eating disorders and on a variety of therapies. Filled with very good information.

Delicious

This is my second book by Bee that I’ve experienced. Her writing is thoughtful and fluid. The story unfolds in an engaging manner. I’d like to eat a meal with her.

CHEW THIS OVER

Who knew how incredibly complex eating habit acquisition could be. They put it in front of me and I had to eat it all (except Lima beans)... But then I'm a post WW2 baby boomer. I also am a retired Registered Nurse (40 yrs of service) with decades practice in gastroenterology. I decided to read this book because I'm a lifetime weight watcher and I thought there may be ideas I could make use of. What I found was a very academic revue of the subject from a behavioral perspective that is probably of little use to an adult dieter. Much of the books focus is on childhood eating disorders and by extension about how we adults got the habits we have. If you've a mind for a scholarly discussion pick this one up.

informative

I liked it and found it very interesting and it will change how I present food to children

A must read if you have children, are about to or just struggle developing healthier eating habits.

As someone who can eat and enjoy all kinds of foods, I often struggle with how to help others do the same. This book has helped me understand where taste preferences come from, why some kids can't stand the sight of something new on their plate and why some adults still refuse to eat vegetables. Although I did struggle at first with the narrator and the book in the beginning, I am so glad to have continued listened because the author does a thorough job of teaching you where we go wrong when it comes to eating and also how to make it right.