Half Just as Satisfying as Whole Chocolate: Study

A recent study says that half a slab of chocolate could be just as satisfying as snacking on a full bar.

Using chocolate chips, apple pie, and potato chips, researchers Ellen van Kleef, Mitsuru Shimizu, and Brian Wansink from Cornell University investigated whether people given smaller portions of snack foods would feel hungrier or satisfied 15 minutes after eating.

The results showed that smaller portion sizes are capable of providing similar feelings of satisfaction as larger ones, according to a Cornell statement.

Those given larger portions consumed 77 percent more food, amounting to 103 calories more, but they did not feel any appetite enhancing or stronger feelings of satiety than the group with the smaller portions.

Overall, these findings reflect the importance of portion size.

While larger portions result in increased food intake, smaller portions may make you feel equally satisfied.

Two groups with different portion sizes were tested. The larger portion size group was given 100 grams of chocolate, 200 grams of apple pie, and 80 grams of potato chips, all slightly larger than the recommended portion sizes.

This equalled 1,370 calories in snack foods.

The other group was given 10, 40 and 10 grams of these same foods respectively, for a total of 195 calories.

The two groups were given as much time to eat as needed, and were asked to fill out surveys to rate the liking, familiarity, and boredom with food.

Source: IANS