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Want To Eat Healthier? Try Literally Watching What You Eat

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – Are you having a hard time giving up sweets? Try eating in front of a mirror.

Researchers found that eating unhealthy food in the presence of a mirror can reduce its perceived tastiness, which ultimately reduces consumption.

One-hundred and 85 undergraduate students participated in the study, which was published in the Journal of the Association for Consumer Research.

In the study, students chose between a chocolate cake and fruit salad. They then evaluated the taste of each in rooms with a mirror or no mirrors.

Researchers say those who had the chocolate cake said it was less tasty in the room with a mirror, compared to the rooms without.

However, the study found the presence of a mirror did not affect the taste of the fruit salad.

Lead researcher, Ata Jami of the University of Central Florida says, "A glance in the mirror tells people more than just about their physical appearance. It enables them to view themselves objectively and helps them to judge themselves and their behaviors in a same way that they judge others."

Jami found that "mirrors can push people to compare and match their behaviors with social standards of correctness. Accordingly, when one fails to follow the standards, he/she does not want to look at a mirror because it enhances the discomfort of the failure."

The study suggests placing a mirror in dining rooms and any other eating spaces so that diners can see themselves eat. This can be an effective way to enforce healthier eating.

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