TIPS TO AID WEIGHT LOSS
Beware of ‘health foods’
Thanks to clever marketing, even foods labeled as healthy can push some people to mindlessly overeat.
“Low-fat” labels are a prime example, as foods low in fat are not necessarily low in calories. For instance, low-fat granola typically only has 10% fewer calories than regular-fat granola.
Nevertheless, study participants given granola labeled as “low-fat” ended up eating 49% more granola than those provided with the normally labeled granola.
Another study compared calorie intake from Subway and McDonald’s. Those who ate at Subway consumed 34% more calories than they thought they did, while those who ate at McDonald’s ate 25% more than they thought.
What’s more, researchers noted that the Subway diners tended to reward themselves for their supposedly healthy meal choice by ordering chips or cookies with their meal.
This tendency to unconsciously overeat foods that are considered healthier, or compensate for them by having a side of something less healthy, is commonly known as the “health halo”.
Steer clear of the effects of the health halo by picking items based on their ingredients rather than their health claims.
Also, remember to pay attention to the side items you choose.
“Low-fat” labels are a prime example, as foods low in fat are not necessarily low in calories. For instance, low-fat granola typically only has 10% fewer calories than regular-fat granola.
Nevertheless, study participants given granola labeled as “low-fat” ended up eating 49% more granola than those provided with the normally labeled granola.
Another study compared calorie intake from Subway and McDonald’s. Those who ate at Subway consumed 34% more calories than they thought they did, while those who ate at McDonald’s ate 25% more than they thought.
What’s more, researchers noted that the Subway diners tended to reward themselves for their supposedly healthy meal choice by ordering chips or cookies with their meal.
This tendency to unconsciously overeat foods that are considered healthier, or compensate for them by having a side of something less healthy, is commonly known as the “health halo”.
Steer clear of the effects of the health halo by picking items based on their ingredients rather than their health claims.
Also, remember to pay attention to the side items you choose.
SUMMARY
Not all foods labeled as healthy are good for you. Focus on ingredients rather than
health claims. Also, avoid picking unhealthy sides to accompany your healthy
meal.
Not all foods labeled as healthy are good for you. Focus on ingredients rather than
health claims. Also, avoid picking unhealthy sides to accompany your healthy
meal.
EAT SLOWLY
Slow eaters tend to eat less, feel fuller, and rate their meals as more pleasant than fast eaters.
Scientists believe that taking at least 20–30 minutes to finish a meal allows more time for your body to release hormones that promote feelings of fullness.
The extra time also allows your brain to realize you’ve eaten enough before you reach for that second serving.
Scientists believe that taking at least 20–30 minutes to finish a meal allows more time for your body to release hormones that promote feelings of fullness.
The extra time also allows your brain to realize you’ve eaten enough before you reach for that second serving.
SUMMARY
Slowing down your eating speed is an easy way to consume fewer calories and enjoy your
\nmeal more.
Slowing down your eating speed is an easy way to consume fewer calories and enjoy your
\nmeal more.
