The Journal of Consumer Research, found that simply changing the name of a food item can influence its perceived healthfulness to dieters.
Dieters rely more heavily on food cues—such as food names—than non-dieters.
Example: when a candy was called ‘fruit chews,’ dieters ate significantly more candies than when the candy was called ‘candy chews’.
Dieters rate foods with healthy-sounding names [for example, salad] as healthier than identical food items with less-healthy-sounding names [for example, fry].
Dieters base their food decisions on the name of the food items, instead of the ingredients.
KEY TAKEAWAY Know that
Salads aren’t always healthy:many salads at chain restaurants can hover around (or top) 1,000 calories, thanks to gigantic portion sizes, fatty and/or fried toppings, and creamy dressings.
Instead, ask for half portion or take half home.
Beware of Healthly water: Some flavored waters or vitamin-enhanced waters can contain up to 200 calories per bottle.
Instead, sip on natural water (minus the additives)
Fruit-flavored snacks aren’t fruits:Gummy fruit treats, fruit roll-ups, fruit bars and other items with fruit on the label may contain some juice or fruit flavoring, but often don’t actually contain fruit. But they do contain high-fructose corn syrup, partially hydrogenated oils, and other unhealthy ingredients.
Instead, go for a fresh fruit.
Beware of Nature sounding names like Veggie chips
Cut veggies, with a small amount of dip, is a better way to satisfy your craving, than chips.
Check the ingredients to eliminate misleading effects of the food’s name.
