Study: Psychology of Food Choices, What It Takes to Feel Truly Satisfied

Tanya Zuckerbrot, MS, RD, conducts study to learn more about what makes a food
satisfying to both the belly and brain

NORTHRIDGE, Calif., Sep. 16 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- New research suggests
that there are important psychological factors to consider when making a food
choice. While previous research has shown that foods with natural fiber and
protein may be the most physiologically satisfying(1-3), a recent four-week
cross-over trial conducted by Tanya Zuckerbrot, MS, RD suggests that true
satisfaction from food is multi-dimensional, involving both physical and
psychological factors.

Zuckerbrot, who has counseled more than 1,000 patients about their eating
habits over the years, designed a study to measure and better understand the
physiological satisfaction of food. She measured how different foods impact
one's desire to eat again, limit how much one thinks about food, improve one's
mood and energy level, and satisfy one's sweet cravings. For the study,
Zuckerbrot selected four common snacks with similar calorie levels and
nutrient profiles: shelled edamame, low-fat wheat crackers, fruit-flavored
yogurt, and a whole soy and fruit bar. She worked with 42 female participants
who alternately consumed one of the four test foods each afternoon over a
four-week period. Participants completed daily surveys to report their overall
satisfaction, general and specific cravings, and hunger levels one hour after
consuming each food.

The study confirmed that satisfying hunger has many dimensions - physical and
psychological - and the best food choice meets all of these. The whole soy and
real fruit bar was rated best by participants at managing hunger and cravings,
taste, and perceptions of healthfulness. Although the foods were fairly
similar with regard to calories, it was not surprising to Zuckerbrot that the
whole soy and real fruit bar ranked highest for managing hunger and cravings,
due to its combination of protein, fiber and fats, which are all nutrients
supported by past research to be satisfying. Participants found that one hour
after eating it they had less of an urge to eat again, had fewer signs of
physical hunger and cravings, felt less of a need to eat something to improve
their mood or feel more alert, and did not think about food as much when
compared to the other three test foods.

"Women want foods that taste good and make them feel good, which can mean
having higher energy levels, curbing cravings, or it can relate to feeling
good about putting that food into your body - many prefer all-natural
ingredients in a food, for instance. If the food doesn't do these things,
women may not be as satisfied and may still have the urge - even if they
aren't hungry - to reach for something else to completely satisfy," said
Zuckerbrot.

Zuckerbrot concluded that how a food makes you feel is more complex than its
nutrient profile alone. The whole soy and real fruit bar scored well on all
levels. Whole soy is all-natural and provides complete protein and essential
nutrients important to good health. The soy and fruit bar's high ratings based
on taste and perceptions of healthfulness speak to the psychological
satisfaction of the food. By fulfilling the multiple physical and
psychological dimensions of hunger and cravings, the whole soy and real fruit
bar was able to best meet participants' overall satisfaction and was,
ultimately, rated highest among participants as the food they would be likely
to choose again.

In order to lessen cravings and food intake, Zuckerbrot advises her patients
and others to ask themselves the following questions one hour after consuming
a food: Do I feel energized or sluggish? Am I still thinking about food? Have
I satisfied my urges or am I still looking for a little something else? Did my
food choice have protein and fiber? Did it contain natural, healthful
ingredients?

"When making food choices, people need to think not only about what they're
putting in their body with regard to nutrients, but also how that food makes
them feel, including taste and energy level. Choose foods that keep both your
stomach and your head satisfied, and you'll find yourself less likely to reach
for something else to meet an urge," said Zuckerbrot.

Examples of satisfying food choices recommended by Zuckerbrot include:

-- Whole soy and real fruit bar - Rationale: The whole soy and real fruit
combination provides high-quality protein, fiber and fats that satisfy
hunger and sustain energy. One example is SOYJOY(R), which is healthy,
all-natural, convenient and tasty, and satisfies on all levels.
-- High-fiber cereal and granola mix - Rationale: While even low-fat
varieties of granola are loaded with calories and sugar, on the other
end of the spectrum, many healthy, low-calorie, high-fiber cereals are
a
bit boring and bland. The answer: Incorporate a little granola into
high-fiber cereal. The fiber will satisfy hunger, while the sweetness
of
the granola will satisfy sweet cravings.
-- Low-fat popcorn and dried cranberries - Rationale: Low-fat popcorn is
a
healthy, whole grain, low-calorie snack, but it can also be dry and
lacking in flavor. The answer: Mix in a serving of dried cranberries
(or
other dried fruit) to add even more fiber and another dimension of
flavor.

-- Nuts and chocolate chips - Rationale: Nuts are a nutrient and
fiber-packed food choice; however, they may not always be everything
one
might be looking for in a food, particularly for those with a sweet
tooth. The answer: Mix a tablespoon of dark chocolate chips in with
your nuts for some variety. The nuts will satisfy your physical
hunger,
while the chocolate satisfies your psychological cravings.

This study was funded by an unrestricted grant by Pharmavite, LLC.

About Pharmavite, LLC:
For more than 35 years, consumers and retailers have trusted Pharmavite for
high-quality, science-based products that contribute to optimal health and
overall wellness. Pharmavite is a provider of great-tasting, nutritious
products, like SOYJOY. SOYJOY is an all-natural, nutrient-rich snack baked
with whole soy and real fruit. (Pharmavite.com)

Sources:
1. Howarth, NC; Saltzman, E; Roberts, SB. Dietary Fiber and Weight
Regulation. Nutrition Reviews. 2001, 59: 129-139.
2. Davis, JN; Hodges, VA; Gillham, MB. Normal Weight Adults Consume More
Fiber and Fruit than their Age- and Height-Matched Overweight/Obese
counterparts. Journal of the American Dietetic Association. 2006,
106(6):
833-40.

3. Allison, DB, Gadbury, G; Schwartz, LG; Murugesan, R; Kraker, JL;
Heshka,
S; Fontaine, R; Heymsfield, SB. A Novel Soy-Based Meal Replacement
Formula for Weight Loss Among Obese Individuals: A Randomized
Controlled
Clinical Trial. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2003 57:
514-522.

SOURCE SOYJOY

Kelsey Hammonds, +1-212-601-8285, kelsey.hammonds@porternovelli.com, for
SOYJOY