Calorie Snacks Research Articles

Cool or hot: How dietary restraint produces both positive and negative eating behaviors

Restrained eating is the tendency to restrict food intake to control weight. Restrained eaters’ behavior is thought to be under cognitive control. The dual process model classifies human cognition into two systems: 1) the reflective system, which is slow, deliberative, and conscious (i.e., the “cool system”), and 2) the automatic system, which is fast and unconscious (i.e., the “hot system”). Previous research has argued food items are more likely to be emotionally arousing for restrained eaters, which triggers the hot system. We hypothesize that restrained eaters make less caloric food decisions when their cool system is engaged. An undergraduate sample of 241 students reported their level of restraint, mindful eating, and food cravings. The hot system path is represented by a food decision that must be made quickly and offers an immediate reward, since exerting time pressure induces hot system processing. The cool system path is represented by a computerized menu selection task, in which the individual has unlimited time to consider the food decision. Results show restrained eating reduces caloric intake intentions via the process of mindful eating through the cool system. However, restrained eating increases caloric snack selection via the process of food cravings through the hot system. Restrained eaters should limit their exposure to food decision-making situations in which their hot system may be triggered. Our findings suggest nudging may be useful for restrained eaters, in that it encourages cool system processing.

The impact of mediterranean diet in perioperative nurses’ health

Perioperative nurses are involved in the care of surgery patients, in a highly stressful environment with various risks. Unrealistic schedules and long working hours standing, and working shifts, make them more vulnerable to potential risks. Their health is affected by the quality of the work environment. Problems that may arise from the highly stressful work involve chronic stress, burnout, dissatisfaction, obesity and sleeping disorders. Nutritional problems result from the lack of time between shifts for food preparation, the extended time without food or liquid, reduced hydration, the irregular hours and times to eat, the less substantial meals and more caloric snacks. Mediterranean diet is a scientifically proven healthy diet, indicated for fighting obesity, heart disease and cancer. The consumption of fruit, vegetables, grains, nuts, and olive oil in the framework of Mediterranean diet which is rich in beneficial nutrients, could significantly improve perioperative nurses’ quality life, and their eating habits.

Preconception lifestyle intervention reduces long term energy intake in women with obesity and infertility: a randomised controlled trial

BackgroundThe preconceptional period may be an optimal window of opportunity to improve lifestyle. We previously showed that a 6 month preconception lifestyle intervention among women with obesity and infertility was successful in decreasing the intake of high caloric snacks and beverages, increasing physical activity and in reducing weight in the short term. We now report the effects of the preconception lifestyle intervention on diet, physical activity and body mass index (BMI) at 5.5 years (range = 3.7–7.0 years) after the intervention.MethodsWe followed women who participated in the LIFEstyle study, a multicentre RCT in which women with obesity and infertility were assigned to a six-month lifestyle intervention program or prompt infertility treatment (N = 577). Diet and physical activity 5.5 years later were assessed with an 173-item food frequency questionnaire (N = 175) and Actigraph triaxial accelerometers (N = 155), respectively. BMI was calculated from self-reported weight and previously measured height (N = 179). Dietary intake, physical activity, and BMI in the intervention and control group were compared using multivariate regression models. Additionally, dietary intake, physical activity and BMI of women allocated to the intervention arm with successful weight loss during the intervention (i.e. BMI < 29 kg/m2 or ≥ 5% weight loss), unsuccessful weight loss and the control group were compared with ANCOVA.ResultsAlthough BMI did not differ between the intervention and control group 5.5 years after the intervention (− 0.5 kg/m2 [− 2.0;1.1]; P = 0.56), the intervention group did report a lower energy intake (− 216 kcal/day [− 417;-16]; P = 0.04). Women in the intervention arm who successfully lost weight during the intervention had a significantly lower BMI at follow-up compared to women in the intervention arm who did not lose weight successfully (− 3.4 kg/m2 [− 6.3;-0.6]; P = 0.01), and they reported a significantly lower energy intake compared to the control group (− 301 kcal [− 589;-14]; P = 0.04). Macronutrient intake, diet quality, and physical activity did not differ between the intervention and control group, irrespective of successful weight loss during the intervention.ConclusionsIn our study population, a preconception lifestyle intervention led to reduced energy intake 5.5 years later. Additionally, women allocated to the intervention group who were successful in losing weight during the intervention also had a lower BMI at follow-up. This shows the potential sustainable effect of a preconception lifestyle intervention.Trial registrationThis trial was registered on 16 November 2008 in the Dutch trial register; clinical trial registry number NTR1530.

Middle choice preference and snack choice: The role of self-regulatory resources to nudge healthier food choice

When confronted with a three-choice paradigm, products placed in the middle position are selected more frequently compared to peripheral options. Under low self-regulatory resource conditions, exploiting the middle position preference may be a promising nudge towards healthier food choices. This study aims to investigate boundary conditions of the middle choice preference in a convenience sample (n=182) using a 2 (high depletion vs. low depletion of self-regulatory resources)×2 (low caloric snack position: left vs. middle) between-subjects design. Three different snack bars were positioned from left to right in ascending order of calorie content (apple, chocolate-banana and chocolate) with the apple variety as either positioned on the left side or in the middle position (nudge). Our results showed that across all participants, no middle position preference could be observed between different snacks (χ2(2)=0.28, p=0.35), neither for participants in low depletion (36.8%; 35/95), χ2(1)=0.18, p=0.53 or high depletion condition (35.6%; 31/87), χ2(1)=0.83, p=0.25. Liking and gender did not influence choice behavior. Our findings suggest that nudging healthy middle choice preferences is limited to the extent of self-regulatory resource availability. This boundary condition should be considered when designing public health interventions to nudge healthier food choices based on middle position preferences.

Students' Consumption of Beverages and Snacks at School and Away from School: A Case Study in the North East of Italy.

In North-East Italy (the Veneto region), several public school nutrition policies have been developed to reduce the consumption of high-caloric snacks and beverages. However, little is known about whether the policies actually influence students’ dietary behaviors. In order to address this point, a multi-center cross-sectional survey of 691 Italian students was conducted. Students completed the Beverage and Snack Questionnaire, which assesses the consumption of beverages and snacks at school and out of school. Three-level Poisson Models with random intercept with students (level 1 units) nested into classroom (level 2 units), and nested into schools (level 3 units), were used to examine the influence of the school setting vs. the out of school environment (independent variable) on students’ consumption of sweet beverages, snacks, milk-based beverages, low-carbohydrate drinks, fruit, and vegetables (dependent variable) (p ≤ 0.05). The results showed a significantly higher consumption of sweet beverages, snacks, milk-based beverages, low-carbohydrate drinks, fruit, and vegetables out-of-the school, suggesting a school-protective association Thus, the policies aimed to limit or deny access to unhealthy foods in the school environment may play an important role in promoting more healthful dietary patterns for school children. Additional studies should be conducted to compare students’ dietary behaviors between schools with nutrition policies to those without nutrition policies.

Pengaruh variasi pemberian Snack bar ubi jalar kedelai hitam terhadap Kadar Superoksida Dismutase (SOD) darah

Background: Snack bar from sweet potatoes and black soybeans is low GI, fat and calorie snack which haveantioxidant content, such as β-carotene, anthocyanin, isoflavone, and antioxidant activity, so can be an alternativesnack for patients with DM type 2. Antioxidants intake can prevent the oxidative stress that lead micro- and macrovascularcomplications in DM type 2. Antioxidant intake may preserve endogen antioxidant capacity, which is can bedetermined by analyzing SOD concentration.Objective: analyze effect variety of Snack bar from sweet potatoes and black soybeans consume to SOD concentration.Methods: experimental post-pretest research used 3 varieties of sweet potato’s color (red, yellow, and purple)interventions. SOD concentration was analyzed by colorimetric. Statistic data was analyzed by dependent t-test andOne Way Anova.Results: No different between groups interventions Snack bar from purple, yellow or red sweet potatoes (p=0,122).Group with snack bar from purple sweet potatoes intervention has lowest SOD decreasing percentage among otherintervention groups.Conclusion: Consume snack bar form purple sweet potatoes and black soybeans can preserve SOD concentrationbetter than consume snack bar form yellow or red sweet potatoes and black soybeans

An assessment of knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) towards diabetes and diabetic retinopathy in a suburban town of Karachi.

Objective:To assess the Knowledge, Attitude and Practices (KAP) towards diabetes and diabetic retinopathy in the general population of Bin Qasim Town (BQ), Karachi.Methods:An observational, cross-sectional study was approved by Research Ethical Committee of Al-Ibrahim Eye Hospital. It included every third household by stratified sampling in each Union Council of (BQ) Town, in the months of May to July 2013. The interview Questionnaire included 43 questions, of qualitative and quantitative aspects, which were awarded 56 scoring points. SPSS version 20.0 was used to analyze the data.Results: Six hundred ninety two adults one from each household were interviewed. Of the total respondents, 271 (39.2%) had diabetes. Lowest mean knowledge score (5.28 ± 6.09) was seen in illiterate respondents. Male’s Mean Knowledge score (7.61 ± 6.600) was better than female’s (5.46 ± 6.21) with P <0.001. Over all mean score of Attitudes towards diabetes was 5.43 ± 2.57. It was higher (6.62 ± 2.03) in diabetic respondents as compared with non-diabetic respondents (4.70 ± 2.59) with p < 0.000. In Practice module majority of the respondents (69.9%) did not exercise, 49% took high caloric snacks between meals and 87% ate outside home once a month, 56.8% diabetics visited ophthalmologist for routine eye examination; but only 9.2% asked for retinal examination.Conclusion:Lack of knowledge of diabetes was found in the surveyed community, more marked in females, illiterate and the individuals not having diabetes.

Impact of snacking pattern on overweight and obesity risk in a cohort of 11- to 13-year-old adolescents.

The association between snacking habits and overweight in adolescents is unclear. We evaluated the relation between snacking patterns and overweight/obesity in a cohort of 11- to 13-year-old Italian adolescents. The dietary habits of 400 randomly selected adolescents were evaluated; those with body mass index ≥ 85 th percentile were considered as overweight/obese. Participants were classified based on the percentage of caloric intake from snacks (<15%, 15%-20%, >20%), snacking frequency (1, 2, ≥ 3), and timing of consuming the most caloric snack (morning, afternoon, evening). A minority of participants (13/400, 3.3%) did not consume any snacks; 5/13 (38.5) of them were overweight/obese. Among snackers (387/400), overweight/obesity prevalence was 10.4%, 14.4%, 20.5%, respectively, in those consuming <15%, 15% to 10%, and >20% of their energy intake from snacks. In a Poisson regression model, the overweight/obesity relative risks (RRs) were 1.35 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.58-3.15) and 2.32 (1.10-4.89) for 15% to 20% and >20% calories/day from snacks, respectively. Overweight/obesity prevalence (from 9.6% to 22.6%) was correlated with snacking frequency (RR 2.20, 95% CI 0.92-5.27, and RR 4.17, 95% CI 1.60-10.9, for 2 and ≥ 3 snacks per day, respectively). The most caloric snacks were consumed in the morning (180/387) and afternoon (179/387); 28.6% of the predominantly evening snackers (28/387) were overweight/obese (RR 3.12, 95% CI 1.17-8.34). Increased snacking calories, frequency, and evening snacking are independently associated with overweight/obesity in Italian middle-school adolescents.

Mediators of longitudinal changes in measures of adiposity in teenagers using parallel process latent growth modeling

The aim of the study was to evaluate mediating effects of energy balance-related behaviors on measures of adiposity in the Dutch Obesity Intervention in Teenagers-study (DOiT). DOiT was an 8-month behavioral intervention program consisting of educational and environmental components and evaluated in 18 prevocational secondary schools in the Netherlands (n = 1,108, baseline age 12.7 years, 50% girls). Outcome measures were changes in body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and sum of skinfold thickness. Self-reported consumption of sugar-containing beverages and high caloric snacks, active transport to/from school, and screen-viewing behaviors were the hypothesized mediators. Data were collected at 0, 8, 12, and 20 months. For the data analysis, parallel process latent growth modeling was used. Total sugar-containing beverages consumption mediated the intervention effects on BMI (ab = -0.01, 95%CI = -0.20, -0.001). The intervention group lowered their sugar-containing beverages consumption more than controls (B = -0.14, 95%CI = -0.22, -0.11) and this, in turn, led to smaller increases in BMI. No significant mediated effect by the targeted behaviors was found for waist circumference or sum of skinfolds. Future school-based overweight prevention interventions may target decreasing sugar-containing beverages consumption.

Scientific Opinion on the substantiation of a health claim related to “hypo caloric snacks (KOT products)” and “contributes to reduce adipocyte size at the abdominal level in the context of a low‐calorie diet” pursuant to Article 13(5) of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006

Following an application from Ceprodi KOT, submitted pursuant to Article 13(5) of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 via the Competent Authority of France, the Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies was asked to deliver an opinion on the scientific substantiation of a health claim related to “hypo-caloric snacks (KOT products)” and “contributes to reduce adipocyte size at the abdominal level in the context of a low-calorie diet”. The target population is overweight individuals who wish to reduce their abdominal fat. The applicant states that adipocyte size at the (subcutaneous) abdominal level correlates with abdominal fat mass, which is associated with metabolic complications. The evidence provided by the applicant does not establish that reducing subcutaneous adipocyte size at the abdominal level per se (i.e. independent of changes in body weight or body fat) would generally have an impact on the metabolic profile, or that changes in subcutaneous adipocyte size can be used as a surrogate measure of changes in visceral adipose tissue which could influence the metabolic profile. Therefore, the Panel considers that the evidence provided does not establish that reducing subcutaneous adipocyte size at the abdominal level is a beneficial physiological effect per se and concludes that a cause and effect relationship has not been established between the consumption of “hypo-caloric snacks (KOT products) for use in low-calorie diets for weight reduction” and a beneficial physiological effect related to “reducing subcutaneous adipocyte size at the abdominal level”.

Menu Labeling Responsive to Consumer Concerns and Shows Promise for Changing Patron Purchases

This study evaluated a calorie labeling intervention in Kaiser Permanente Hospital cafeterias. Three cafeteria conditions were no labeling; calorie and nutrient labeling on posters only; posters plus point-of-purchase menu board calorie labeling. More respondents noticed calorie information at poster plus menu board sites than at poster-only sites (P < 0.05). Over 80% of patrons supported provision of calorie information. There was a significant increase in purchases of lower calorie side dishes (P < 0.0001) and snacks (P = 0.006) at the menu board site, compared with the no-labeling site. These findings support the premise that menu labeling can be useful in worksite wellness initiatives.

Two pack king size chocolate bars. Can we manage our consumption?

This questionnaire study assessed people's consumption intentions regarding two pack king size chocolate bars. Results showed that 92.9% of the respondents ( n = 143) intended to finish the chocolate bar within 1 day. The most important purchase considerations were hunger and not having considered the size. Furthermore, dietary restraint reduced the odds of a respondent intending to finish the two pack king size chocolate bar within 1 day. Based on the results, the availability and visibility of regular chocolate bars and healthier snacks should be increased, and consumers should be educated about the impact of portion sizes of high caloric snacks.

Food choices of 4 to 6-year-old overweight and nonoverweight children while role-playing as adults.

The following study compared the food choices made by overweight and non-overweight preschoolers while role-playing a mother who bought food for a family, and examined the influence of maternal restriction on food choice. After screening 619 children for height and weight, 56 overweight children (equal sex distribution, ages 4-6) and 56 non-overweight children (matched on age, sex, demographics) were selected to participate. Children's purchases of low and high caloric snacks, drinks, and dinner products in a miniature supermarket were recorded. Mother and child-reported maternal restriction were assessed using the Child Feeding Questionnaire (CFQ) and the Kid's CFQ. Compared to non-overweight children, overweight children choose more high-calorie foods when role-playing a mother. Maternal restriction did not differ between overweight and non-overweight children. Both children's and mothers' reported maternal restriction were unrelated to food choices and there were no significant interactions between restriction and weight status on food choices. In conclusion, while parental restriction seems to be unrelated to children's food choices, family food patterns might have great impact already at young ages.

Value for money or making the healthy choice: the impact of proportional pricing on consumers’ portion size choices

Large food portion sizes are determinants of a high caloric intake, especially if they have been made attractive through value size pricing (i.e. lower unit prices for large than for small portion sizes). The purpose of the two questionnaire studies that are reported in this article was to assess the impact of proportional pricing (i.e. removing beneficial prices for large sizes) on people's portion size choices of high caloric food and drink items. Both studies employed an experimental design with a proportional pricing condition and a value size pricing condition. Study 1 was conducted in a fast food restaurant (N = 150) and study 2 in a worksite cafeteria (N = 141). Three different food products (i.e. soft drink, chicken nuggets in study 1 and a hot meal in study 2) with corresponding prices were displayed on pictures in the questionnaire. Outcome measures were consumers' intended portion size choices. No main effects of pricing were found. However, confronted with proportional pricing a trend was found for overweight fast food restaurant visitors being more likely to choose small portion sizes of chicken nuggets (OR = 4.31, P = 0.07) and less likely to choose large soft drink sizes (OR = 0.07, P = 0.04). Among a general public, proportional pricing did not reduce consumers' size choices. However, pricing strategies can help overweight and obese consumers selecting appropriate portion sizes of soft drink and high caloric snacks. More research in realistic settings with actual behaviour as outcome measure is required.

Dose-response associations between screen time and overweight among youth

To examine dose-response associations between screen time and overweight, independent of physical activity and dietary intake. Participants were 580 Dutch youth (13 years; 48% boys). Body mass index, waist circumference and skinfold thickness at four sites determined weight status. Questionnaires examined television viewing and computer use, participation in organized sport and high caloric snack and sugar-containing beverage consumption. There were no significant associations among boys. Compared with girls spending less than two hours/day in screen time, those who spent three to four hours/day were more likely to be classified as overweight by waist circumference (odds ratio [OR]=3.4; 95% confidence intervals [CI]=1.1-10.7; p=0.03), and this likelihood increased substantially among those spending more than four hours/day (OR=5.5; 95% CI=2.1-14.1; p<or=0.0001). Girls who spend three or more hours/day in screen time are at increased risk of being classified as overweight by waist circumference.

Why did soft drink consumption decrease but screen time not? Mediating mechanisms in a school-based obesity prevention program.

ObjectivesThis paper aims to identify the mediating mechanisms of a school-based obesity prevention program (DOiT).MethodsThe DOiT-program was implemented in Dutch prevocational secondary schools and evaluated using a controlled, cluster-randomised trial (September 2003 to May 2004). We examined mediators of effects regarding (1) consumption of sugar containing beverages (SCB); (2) consumption of high caloric snacks; (3) screen-viewing behaviour; and (4) active commuting to school. To improve these behaviours the DOiT-program tried to influence the following potentially mediating variables: attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioural control, and habit-strength.ResultsBoth in boys (n = 418) and girls (n = 436) the DOiT-intervention reduced SCB consumption (between group difference in boys = -303.5 ml/day, 95% CI: -502.4;-104.5, between group difference in girls = -222.3 ml/day, 95% CI: -371.3;-73.2). The intervention did not affect the other examined behaviours. In girls, no intervention effect on hypothetical mediators was found nor evidence of any mediating mechanisms. Boys in intervention schools improved their attitude towards decreasing SCB consumption, while this behaviour became less of a habit. Indeed, attitude and habit strength were significant mediators of the DOiT-intervention's effect (4.5 and 3.8%, respectively) on SCB consumption among boys.ConclusionOur findings imply that interventions aimed at EBRB-change should be gender-specific. Future studies aimed at reducing SCB consumption among boys should target attitude and habit strength as mediating mechanisms. Our study did not resolve the mediating mechanisms in girls.Trial registrationInternational Standard Randomised Controlled Trial Number Register ISRCTN87127361