A Cornell professor may have the key to unlock the psychology of our overindulgence and help us lose weight, according a New York Times article.

Brian Wansink, who runs the Cornell University Food and Brand Lab, says most folks don't think they are prompted by outside influences when deciding what to eat and when, but we all are.

He uses experiments such as a bottomless soup bowl to gauge how much folks will eat, when given the chance.

The author of "Mindless Eating" says we can stop by increasing our awareness. For example, sit next to the person you think will be the slowest eater when you go to a restaurant, and be the last one to start eating.

Check out the full article and see what else you can do to goose your weight loss.

-- Amanda Barrett, amNY.com