The Simplest Way Ever to Avoid Junk Food Benders
Do you look at the glass as being half-full or half-empty? Your answer could impact how much you decide to drink of what's inside it. People who think happy thoughts before a meal tend to choose better-for-you foods, according to new research published in the Journal of Consumer Psychology.
The research, which was conducted by Cornell's Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management, consisted of a series of four studies. In the first two studies, researchers gave participants one of three stories to read: a happy story, an emotionally neutral story, or a sad story. Turns out, the people in the neutral and sad groups rated indulgent foods more favorably than the healthy foods after completing their assigned readings—while the people in the happy group rated good-for-you foods over junk foods.
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In the next two studies, researchers gave undergrads two tasks: First, participants were asked to think about the things that make them feel happiest in life. Then, they were asked to think about their current living situation. When people were told to think happy thoughts, they ate fewer candies and more raisins—but when they were told to think about the current moment, the opposite was true.
Researchers say this may be because positive thinkers tend to be bigger-picture people: They see healthy foods as the key to their future wellbeing, and so they rate them highly because they respect how these foods can help them live healthier, better lives. People who are more negative or focus on the present moment, however, tend to not be as abstract and see junk food as a quick fix that will lift their current mood.
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The takeaway: Think happy thoughts before you eat. Better yet, think happy thoughts all the time! Being a more positive person will help you appreciate healthy food for what it is—something that can improve your quality of life and keep you going strong—so you choose it over more indulgent options.
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