The research: While under the guise of participating in a different study, volunteers were asked to watch a series of TV ads. While they viewed the ads, researchers provided the volunteers with cups of bite-sized brownie bits as tokens of appreciation for their time. Half of the participants were not asked anything about the brownies while the other half were questioned about the calorie content of the bits. Within each of these two groups, half received soft brownie bits while the others ate hard ones. When they were not focused on the calorie content, the participants ate a higher volume of the soft brownie bits. In contrast, when they were made to focus on the calorie content the volunteers ate more of the hard brownies. What it means: The texture of a food may influence calorie perceptions and food choice. “We are always told to be mindful of calories consumed,” says study researcher Aradhna Krishna, PhD. “Our research demonstrates another reason to be mindful of calories.” The bottom line: It seems that when we’re conscious of what we’re eating and of calories, we tend to eat a smaller volume of softer and smoother foods, says Krishna. “Even without knowing the calorie content of individual foods, our bodies guide us in what is more or less fatty,” she says. In other words, when your body’s telling you to put the brakes on downing another forkful of buttery mashed potatoes, it might be a good idea to listen. More from Prevention: 5 Ways Restaurants Trick You Into Eating More
