The Scientific Explanation For Why We Eat Shedloads At The Cinema
PA / The Huffington Post
If, like me, you're considering going to see Lucy at the cinema this weekend then you might want to consider taking a detour away from the popcorn counter.
New research has shown that viewing choice has a direct effect on the amount of snacks people consume when watching a film or TV show.
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A study found that volunteers gobbled twice as much while glued to a fast-paced action thriller than when they were entertained by celebrities being interviewed.
Lead researcher Dr Aner Tal, from Cornell University in the US, said: "We find that if you're watching an action movie while snacking your mouth will see more action too.
"In other words, the more distracting the programme is the more you will eat."
The 94 students taking part in the study were allowed to snack on M&M sweets, biscuits, carrots and grapes while watching TV for 20 minutes.
A third of the volunteers were shown part of the sci-fi action movie The Island, starring Ewan McGregor and Scarlett Johansson.
Another third viewed the same movie excerpt with no sound, while the remainder watched the Charlie Rose Show, a popular American chat show.
Co-author Professor Brian Wansink, director of Cornell's Food & Brand Laboratory in New York, said: "People who were watching The Island ate almost twice as many snacks - 98% more than those watching the talk show.
"Even those watching The Island without sound ate 36% more."
Despite all being offered the same snacks, volunteers watching the action movie also consumed more calories - 354 compared with 215 for participants screened the chat show.
"More stimulating programmes that are fast paced, include many camera cuts, really draw you in and distract you from what you are eating," Dr Tal added. "They can make you eat more because you're paying less attention to how much you are putting in your mouth.
"Because of this, programmes that engage viewers more might wind up being worse for their diets."
Top 10 Healthy Snacks For The Office
1. Mini pot of hummus with raw vegetables(01 of10)
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Buy individual pots of hummus (a great source of fibre) to help stay in control of your portions. Carrots, cucumber or red pepper strips are all great healthy tools to scoop up the hummus and make an ideal mid-morning snack. (credit:Kansas City Star via Getty Images)
2. Raw almonds(02 of10)
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Nuts are full of healthy fats but they can be calorific if you devour the whole bag! A reasonable amount is about 23 (30g) almonds. They provide vitamin E, calcium, potassium and magnesium, as well as a significant source of protein and fibre. Fill a few sandwich bags or a small tin with a portion of nuts to nibble on when the afternoon hunger pangs hit. (credit:Philippe Desnerck via Getty Images)
3. Fat free or low-fat Greek yoghurt(03 of10)
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Greek yoghurt is both a natural source of calcium and high in protein. Try Fruyo yoghurt, the fat-free, thick, fruity Greek yoghurt (available in 170g pots) before you leave the office to prevent overeating the minute you open your front door. (credit:James And James via Getty Images)
4. Healthy popcorn(04 of10)
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All the rage, popcorn is a wholegrain which makes it a healthier, lower calorie alternative to crisps. You’ll be less tempted to eat more than your fair share if you bulk buy multipacks during your weekend shop and bring in a pack each day. (credit:Melissa Ross via Getty Images)
5. A boiled egg(05 of10)
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Cheap and high in protein, a hardboiled egg is a perfect afternoon healthy snack to keep you full until your evening meal. Make a batch on Sunday night to have on hand throughout the week. Put a dash of hot sauce on them for a spicy kick. (credit:Shutterstock / Ildi Papp)
6. Seeds(06 of10)
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A handful of pumpkin and sunflower seeds are great to nibble on at the office. Alongside containing high quantities of essential fatty acids, they are a low GI food which will release energy slowly, helping to keep your blood sugars to stabilise. Try sprinkling them with chilli – studies show it’ll help give your metabolism a boost. (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
7. Two oatcakes with peanut butter(07 of10)
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The combination of complex carbohydrates and protein will keep your blood sugar levels stable, so you’ll be more satisfied. Although tempting, use a maximum of two tablespoons of peanut butter to stop yourself from eating the tub. (credit:Shutterstock / Africa Studio)
8. Mug of hot chocolate(08 of10)
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Made with skimmed milk and cocoa powder sweetened with calorie free sweetener. An indulgent treat that provides protein and calcium that won’t break the bank calorie wise – a skinny latte or cappuccino would also work. (credit:Annabelle Breakey via Getty Images)
9. Two Medjool dates with low fat cream cheese(09 of10)
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Slice dates almost in half lengthways to creat a pocket and add a tablespoon of low fat soft cheese. (credit:h-bomb/Flickr)
10. Two rice cakes topped with a mashed banana(10 of10)
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A low calorie, high fibre fruity snack. (credit:Lauri Patterson via Getty Images)
The findings appear in the latest edition of the American Medical Association journal Internal Medicine.
Planning your TV snacking in advance might be one way to avoid the risk of over-eating during an edge-of-the-seat chase scene, say the scientists.
They suggest pre-plating or pre-portioning TV snacks instead of bringing out a whole bag of crisps or biscuits.
Ensuring that only healthy foods are available might even put a positive slant on TV snacking, the researchers add.
"The good news is that action movie watchers also eat more healthy foods, if that's what's in front of them," said Prof Wansink.