Make it Count!

Thinking about WHY you have previously resisted a food temptation may help you from indulging (and over-indulging) in the future.

HOW? Scientists divided two groups of volunteers into two groups and both were asked to remember WHEN they decided not to have an indulgence. Then half of the group was also asked to remember WHY they also decided not to have that same indulgence. The scientists then offered both groups both cake and fruit salad.

The group that recalled the REASON WHY they previously resisted (and not just when it happened), 59% of them chose the fruit salad compared to the group who weren't asked to think about their reason who chose the fruit only 30% of the time. The finding means that recalling a reason can strengthen resolve to continue making those good choices.