Food within arm’s reach gets eaten—not because you’re hungry, but because it’s there. Research shows snacks 20 cm away are taken far more often than identical snacks 70 cm away, and participants weren’t aware distance was affecting their behavior. By mid-afternoon, when willpower is depleted, anything within reach is at high risk.
This companion explores why distance matters, the arm’s reach test, what to curate if you must have food nearby, and the environment design principle for your future depleted self. (3 min read)