Looking at pictures of food can cut cravings

build_them_skyward

Don't know if this is the right board for this:

http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2015/05/21/how-to-cut-cravings/

What do you think?

shadow2soul

Not sure what to make of it, but for me at least, looking at pictures of something I crave makes me want it more.

RodaRose

'Might work for some people. Right now I really want some potato chips.

SideSteel

This is interesting.

Not done reading the full text but you can find that here:
http://www.behaviorlab.org/Papers/Simulated.pdf

SideSteel

I have what I think is an important distinction to make if I'm interpreting things correctly here.

The study did not evaluate the cravings people had after viewing photographs. The study evaluated the enjoyment they received upon eating foods that were similar to the photographs displayed.

These two things are substantially different in my opinion. For example, they showed that people who viewed a bunch of photos of salty foods, had less enjoyment eating salty foods afterwards.

This is not the same thing as a reduced craving for said food.

I would think that being exposed to several photos of chocolate cake would INCREASE many people's craving for chocolate cake even though they may not enjoy the chocolate cake as much while actually eating it (per this study).

Equus5374

You know, that actually does work for me, *sometimes*. I watch FoodNetwork shows and sometimes just seeing people stuffing their faces decreases my appetite, or in the least makes me reach for fruit or veggies to snack on!

Christine_72

I rue the day i started watching masterchef. The new season has just started here, and the extra evening snacks in my diary correlate to the nights MC is on!!

So, no. Looking at pictures of yummy food just gives me a craving for it.

lseed87

50/50