New studies in movie theaters, at holiday parties and in people’s homes have uncovered a disappointing fact: when people are eating low-fat foods that they believe are better for their health, they eat 28% more calories than when they are eating regular foods that they believe are “too fattening”.

Low fat foods are often higher in sugar. While these snacks are higher in sugar, they are lower in calories- but only about 11% lower than regular foods would be. Unfortunately most people believe that low-fat foods are 40% lower in calories, so they eat more of them.

The result is that people in the studies- who are probably a lot like we are- think they are doing themselves good by eating low – calorie desserts and snacks, but since they eat more of them, they are actually harming their health.

According to the researchers, low-fat foods are unlikely to be an answer to preventing obesity, since people overeat them.

Researchers recommend that people eat the regular version of foods, but eat less of them.

To learn more, read the study in the book, “Mindless Eating”

Author: Brian Wansink (Cornell University)

Paperback: 304 pages

Publisher: Bantam (August 28, 2007)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0553384481

ISBN-13: 978-0553384482

Available at http://www.amazon.com/Mindless-Eating-More-Than-Think/dp/0553384481