Which phrase describes performative eating?

The phrase "eating to please the expectations of others" aptly describes performative eating. This behavior often entails choosing what to eat based on how it will be perceived by others, rather than focusing on personal hunger cues or nutritional needs. Individuals may feel pressured to conform to social norms or the dietary choices of friends, family, or societal standards, leading them to prioritize others' opinions over their own relationship with food.

This approach can lead to a disconnect from intuitive eating principles, which encourage individuals to listen to their own body signals and eat based on what feels satisfying and nourishing for them personally. By engaging in performative eating, one risks losing touch with their authentic preferences and potentially develops an unhealthy relationship with food.

Other options involve specific motivations or goals related to food intake, such as enhancing mental capacity or athletic performance, but they do not encapsulate the social and external pressures inherent in performative eating. Therefore, the correct choice accurately captures the essence of this behavior as contingent upon external validation rather than personal need or enjoyment.