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Why You May Eat Fewer Fresh-Baked Cookies than Store-Bought Ones
Photo: Thinkstock
Photo: Thinkstock
What's harder to resist than fresh-baked cookies straight out of the oven? Well, nothing, really, but here's some news we never expected: it may be easier to stop eating these types of wonderfully scented treats than it would be to give up something equally delicious but less aromatic. In a new study published in the journal Flavour, people who ate vanilla custard took smaller bites when they smelled a more intense cream aroma. The stronger the smell, the smaller the bite--until the custard had disappeared. Dutch researchers suspect that the aroma made the custard seem more appealing, and also made tasters think that it was thicker and creamier. Perhaps the subjects wanted the custard-eating experience to last, or they wanted to savor every sweet morsel. Regardless, taking smaller bites and chewing more slowly are tactics that have been shown to help people control how much they eat. So when you're overcome with a craving for something sweet, opt for a bakery-fresh treat, or pop a pre-made one in the microwave to activate its portion-controlling aroma.
Topics: Health
As a reminder, always consult your doctor for medical advice and treatment before starting any program.
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