Was your last meal delicious and nutritious? Rave all you want about how tasty it was–but don’t focus on its healthfulness or you’ll end up back in the kitchen in no time, suggests a new University of Chicago study.
Researchers conducted several experiments and found that people who eat food that’s described as healthy are hungrier afterward and eat more later in order to curb their appetites.
College students were asked to sample a protein bar; some were told that they were tasting a new health bar, while others were told they were essentially getting a candy bar. Afterward, the health bar group reported being hungrier than tasty testers.
In the next experiment, researchers asked participants to try a piece of bread, described as either nutritious and low fat or tasty, with “a thick crust and soft center”. After eating the bread, participants were offered pretzels. Guess which group consumed more? The healthy bread eaters, of course.
Interestingly, in a third experiment, people were asked to pick either a “healthful” protein bar or a “tasty” protein bar. There was no difference in how hungry participants were afterwards, regardless of which bar they ate–leading researchers to speculate that people who purposefully choose healthy food are more committed to eating well, and less likely to “rebound” by overeating later on.
Personally, I think this study is further proof of the power of moderation. Go ahead, have a burger instead of a salad once in a while; you’ll satisfy your taste buds and your brain. But when you do order that salad, remind yourself that yes, it really is enough to tide you over until the next meal.
-Camille
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Camille
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Just found your blog…and I’m loving it! Such a SENSEFUL approach to food. (yes, it’s a real word. I just make it up, I think. ha!)
Thanks, Aunt LoLo!!
Could the study also be revealing people’s perceptions of what healthy food tastes like? “Health food” to many people means no flavor, not fun, and not filling. Like iceberg lettuce. If the study was conducted on those who regularly create/eat nutritious meals full of flavor, fun, and satisfaction, I don’t think the results would be the same. College kids aren’t exactly big on healthful eating either, unless things have changed since I was there! Thoughts?
Kristin, I think you’re exactly right.
oh! may i please add my 2 centsworth?! i eat mindfully and healthfully everyday. at least i try to, to the best of my knowledge and ability. i also know that my go-to lunch staple: a big salad of mixed greens with organic dried cranberries, vegetables, some type of bean, the occasional fruit and seeds plus the requisite dressing [flaxseed oil + apple cider vinaigre], is not enough to fully satiate me, so i will have 1/2 a pita bread, or a slice of whole grain toast, or even a 1/2 cup of brown rice as well. when i consume this meal slow enough [the seeds: pumpkin, sunflower & chia give my jaws a thorough workout!], i feel absolutely ready for a nice cup of green tea shortly thereafter. i do not feel “hungry” but satisfied. [i find that the sweet of the cranberry counterbalances the sometimes gritty, "healthy" taste of the veg]. when i start to feel hungry potentially 2-3 hours later, it’s because it’s time for a snack. i personally believe that there is room for all kinds of food, and as hard as it may seem, one should try not to obsess. for women in particular i think that we need to continue to focus on overall health [http://bit.ly/bSZcau] without falling victim to too much “expertism,” and “perfectionism.” it’s only natural to feel depraved and anxious abt things that you feel u cannot control, until u find a better way to manage those things. personally, that’s how i arrived at a lunch meal plan that keeps me going. and i now eat with a view to satisfying both the physical and psychological hunger within. it’s a process! your blog is a gift. and i love the insightful care with which u approach each subject. xobolaji