Experts have revealed a simple hack that could help beat excessive food cravings: eating in front of a mirror. This behavioral theory suggests that watching yourself eat can encourage you to eat less and think more about your choices.
How the Mirror Trick Works
Researchers found that watching yourself eat something unhealthy triggers feelings of guilt and displeasure, stemming from ingrained social standards of what is considered right or wrong, such as the current demonizing of sugar. The presence of a mirror enhances discomfort for the diner and lowers the perceived taste of junk food.
Study Details
The study examined 185 participants who were asked to choose between chocolate cake and fruit salad. After choosing, half sat in a room facing a mirror and rated the taste of their food. People who ate cake while facing a mirror reported enjoying it less than those who ate the same slice without a mirror. However, no difference was found for fruit salad.
The team suggested the effect may only apply when people choose the food themselves, as they feel more accountable for their decision. Lead researcher Ata Jami, 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 behaviors in the same way that they judge others.”
Practical Implications
Researchers suggest placing mirrors in dining rooms and eating spaces to encourage healthier eating practices. The research was published in The Journal of the Association for Consumer Research.
