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Tempting Yourself With Forbidden Foods Can Help You Stick with Healthy Eating Goals

A recent study found that for women who were focused on weight loss, seeing a photograph of a high calorie dessert could actually help them stick to their commitment.

By Kathryn Hawkins. Posted on August 19 2009
choc-chip cookie

Image: iStockphoto

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Let’s say you’ve committed to losing 20 pounds by the New Year. That means it’s time to start hitting the gym, stocking up on carrot sticks, and ditching your subscription to Gourmet, right?

Not so fast on the last count: although food-focused magazines tend to be full of images of decadent treats, it doesn’t mean you’re likely to whip up your own chocolate-mascarpone cheesecake after skimming through the recipe. On the contrary, a recent study found that for women who were focused on weight loss, seeing a photograph of a high calorie dessert could actually help them stick to their commitment.

In the study, 54 women on diets were shown one of two photos: a piece of chocolate cake, or a flower. Later, they were questioned about their goals to eat healthy, and offered a choice of two snacks: a chocolate or an oatmeal cookie. Surprisingly, the women who’d been shown the chocolate cake image placed a higher priority on a healthy lifestyle, and were significantly more likely than the others to choose the healthier oatmeal cookie option.

“Food temptations do not always trigger indulgence,” lead researcher Floor Kroese of the Netherland’ University of Utrecht told New Scientist. “It seems that seeing a food temptation reminded people of their goal to watch their weight, and helped them act accordingly.”

The results may seem counterintuitive, but if it works, why not give it a try? So, if you’re planning on dropping a few pounds for health reasons, stick a photo of a chocolate eclair on your refrigerator—or, better yet, watch an episode of Paula Deen’s Home Cooking. If the sight of her artery-clogging Fried Mac and Cheese doesn’t help you with your diet, we don’t know what will.

Filed under: General Interest, Health and Wellbeing, Science,

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