Research suggests that dim, warm lighting makes food look more appealing, which causes you to eat more – that could be one reason why so many restaurants have a dark ambiance. Conversely, if your kitchen is too bright, it can raise cortisol levels, which may result in increased fat storage. If you're aiming for weight loss, studies suggest the best lighting for your kitchen is a 13-watt compact white fluorescent bulb: It’s a soft white light that produces a cold feel and inhibits appetite. Ideally you should have one bulb for every 20 square feet of your kitchen – whether it’s overhead lighting or lamps.
