Experts reveal one simple trick that could help fight cravings

There is a simple hack that could help beat excessive food cravings, according to experts, and the trick is to eat in front of a mirror. It is a simple behavioural theory that scientists say helps you face situations you may subconsciously know are not the best for you and, in this case, that means eating “bad foods”.

It is suggested that watching yourself eat in the mirror, or even eating alone, will encourage you to eat less and actually think about what it is you are doing. Researchers found that watching yourself eat something unhealthy can trigger feelings of guilt and displeasure, stemming from ingrained social standards of what is considered right or wrong, such as the current demonising of sugar.

As such, the presence of a mirror enhances the discomfort for the diner and lowers the perceived taste of the junk food on their plate.

The study examined 185 participants who were asked to choose between a chocolate cake and a fruit salad.

After choosing between the two, half the participants sat in a room facing a mirror. They were then asked to rate the taste of their food for researchers.

People who ate cake while facing a mirror reported enjoying it less than those who ate the same slice in a room without one.

However, researchers found no difference in how much participants enjoyed a fruit salad, regardless of whether they were sitting in front of a mirror or not.

The team behind the study suggested the effect may only apply when people choose the food themselves, as they are more likely to feel accountable for their decision.

Lead researcher Ata Jami, an assistant professor of marketing at the University of Central Florida, said: “A glance in the mirror tells people more than just about their physical appearance. It enables them to view themselves objectively and helps them to judge themselves and their behaviours in a same way that they judge others.”

As a result, the researchers suggest that placing a mirror in dining rooms and other eating spaces, so that diners can see themselves eat, can be an effective way for individuals and restaurants to encourage healthier eating practices.

The research was published in The Journal of the Association for Consumer Research.