Search Here

Dim lights and mellow music while chowing down can taper your waist line says a new study published in Psychological Reports.

According to scientists from Cornell University, dim lights and soft music can apparently lower down the calorie intake and increase satisfaction.

The findings of the research challenge the notion that people tend to order more food while eating in a relaxed environment with dim lights and soft music when compared to the typical set up of a noisy surrounding and bright light.

For the study, the researchers gave a completely different look to one part of a fast food joint with soft lighting and chilled jazz, which otherwise had the typical set up of an eating joint with noise and different light sitting.

The researchers then asked participants to choose and eat in either any part of the restaurant. While the participants dined, the amount of time spent on dining and the amount of food consumed was recorded by the researchers. Also the participants were asked to rate the quality before leaving.

It was presumed by the researchers that a relaxed atmosphere would cause the participants to linger for longer and make them consume more food than those in the fast food environment.

However, what the findings of the study revealed, was contrary to the presumption. It was found that even though those in the fine dining area lingered for longer, their food consumption was actually lesser and they were also less likely to order extra food.

Also, according to the Psychological Reports, it was found that despite the fact that people in the fine dining area consumed 18 percent lesser food, their rating of the food was higher and as more enjoyable when compared to others.

The researchers suggest that fast food restaurants should dimmer the lights and play softer music-offering then a more relaxed environment, if they want their consumers to enjoy the food. Also, people who want to consume less food, should eat slowly.

The explanation given by the scientists for the phenomenon is that mindless eating can be reduced if only people concentrated on their food more and got less distracted by the surroundings.

"When we did a makeover of a fast-food restaurant, we found that softer music and lighting led diners to eat 175 fewer calories and enjoy it more.

These results suggest that a more relaxed environment increases satisfaction and decreases consumption. This is important information for fast-food restaurants, which are often accused of contributing to obesity: Making simple changes away from brighter lights and sound-reflecting surfaces can go a long way toward reducing overeating - and increase their customers' satisfaction at the same time," Professor Brian Wansink was quoted as saying by Mail Online.