Food with the word ‘diet’ on the packet has been shown to encourage greater consumption.
This isn’t because the foods have a higher level of energy, in fact, it’s the lower caloric contents of the foods that makes people eat more. Because they perceive the foods as being healthier, the perception is that it’s ok to eat more.
The net result is that subjects in the studies ended up consuming more energy when provided with low kilojoule ‘diet packs’ than with ‘non-diet’ food.
All things being equal, foods that are lower in energy will obviously result in less caloric intake. Evidently though, all things are not equal. By having an awareness of volume as well as energy density, you can take the research into account and maximise your ability to control your weight.
Sourced from: ’59 Seconds’, Professor Richard Wiseman. Pan Publishing, 2010.
