About: Alan Carpenter

Recent Posts by Alan Carpenter

Ten Steps to Build Intrinsic Motivation

Ten Steps to Build Intrinsic Motivation
Based on self-determination theory Self-determination theory, developed by Ed Deci, Richard Ryan, and colleagues assumes that humans have three innate psychological needs: autonomy, competence, and relatedness. People who have high levels of autonomy, competence, and relatedness tend to be more intrinsically (self) motivated to pursue important goals in their lives. Perhaps you have a major…
more

Are Saturated Fats Truly Bad?

Are Saturated Fats Truly Bad?
Why saturated fats are considered “bad” Saturated fats are widely regarded as “bad” by the medical community. The reasoning goes like this. Eating foods rich in saturated fats, primarily animal products such as meat, milk, cheese, and yogurt, increases intake of cholesterol. Influential studies conducted by Ancel Keys starting in the 1960s, identified cholesterol as…
more

Food Form, Texture, and Matrix Matter

Food Form, Texture, and Matrix Matter
What does “food matrix” mean? French researchers Anthony Fardet and Edmond Rock lament the public confusion about the health value of foods. Much of the confusion arises from the focus on specific nutrients to emphasize or avoid. The nutrient-based recommendations, Fardet and Rock opine, reflect a reductionist approach to nutrition that's gone overboard, while ignoring…
more

How Can Positive Self-Perceptions of Aging Boost Your Health?

How Can Positive Self-Perceptions of Aging Boost Your Health?
Embodied positive and negative age stereotypes Positive and negative age-related stereotypes held by older people predict beneficial and detrimental effects on health and well-being, respectively. Becca Levy’s research over the past two decades led to a theory of stereotype embodiment. According to Levy, stereotypes from the surrounding culture become embodied when individuals accept the stereotypes…
more

Recent Comments by Alan Carpenter