Do you wonder why you eat too much? Researchers say it is not by chance, that there are actually things that trigger our appetites and if you know them, you might be able to change your habits. News Specialist Carole Mikita join us now from the newsroom to tell us what the experts say, Carole:

I've chosen a restaurant with atmosphere because we are talking about unavoidable circumstances that rev up the appetite. Some you may be aware of, others not the key to good health is how you handle them.

Experts will tell you nothing is more appetizing than a great looking, plate of food, but researchers now say, it may be something you've never considered that derails your diet. For example, bright colors stimulate your mood and your appetite whether in the food or the decor. The Golden Arches of McDonald's or the red/orange motif of Burger King. Or maybe it's fine dining at a popular Salt Lake restaurant,the idea is to make us want to eat.

((JOHN WILLIAMS, PRESIDENT GASTRONOMY, INC.: "IT'S LIKE GOING TO A BEAUTIFUL PRODUCE STORE, WHICH HAS ALL OF THE PRODUCT ALL LAID OUT, IT'S STIMULATING... IT MAKES YOU WANT TO BUY OR EAT."))

Listening to fast music can make you clean your plate in record time. Researchers found that people take larger forkfuls per minute with upbeat music. When the body is suffering from lack of sleep, the appetite gets stimulated. Scientists say if you don't get seven or eight hours a night, at least eat a nutritious breakfast.

Dining with others has a powerful influence on how much you eat. A study found that participants ate 44% more calories and fat than if they ate alone. Once you are full, have your plate taken away to prevent nibbling. And why not socialize while you're exercising?

Cruise ship vacationers will tell you they ate too much because there were too many choices. The same can be said for cafeteria- style eating.

((AMIE HEAP, REGISTERED DIETICIAN: "IF YOU CAN LEARN TO DISTINGUISH BETWEEN PHYSIOLOGICAL HUNGER OR EMOTIONAL OR ENVIRONMENTAL STIMULI... THEN YOU CAN HAVE A LOT MORE SUCCESS MAKING CORRECT CHOICES."))

If you want to drop a few pounds, don't wait until the season changes. Researchers say we eat more in the fall because of genetics.

((DENISE DRUSE,"ANATOMY ACADEMY": "THERE IS A THEORY THAT BECAUSE OF OUR ANCESTORS NEEDING TO STORE FAT TO GET THROUGH A LONG WINTER, WE STILL HAVE A TENDENCY TO WANT TO PUT ON LOTS OF EXTRA BODY FAT SUBCONSCIOULY."))

And if you snack more that usual during your cycle, join the crowd. Women do get hungrier then because of hormones. Just don't binge--all you need is 160 extra calories... that's about six Hershey Kisses! Or maybe a small slice of cake--and it doesn't have to be "time of the month"--it can be anyone of us at 3 o'clock in the afternoon when the blood sugar is low. Best choice is always a piece of fruit.