It may be time to ditch diets such as Paleo, Atkins and Mediterranean because according to researchers, playing a simple computer game could help you lose weight.
Scientists from the University of Exeter and Cardiff University have designed a game that could help you lose around 0.7kg (1.5lb) in two weeks.
In trials, volunteers who tried the game consumed around 220 fewer calories a day than they would have otherwise.
The game is designed to train people to resist unhealthy snack foods. It requires the player to repeatedly avoid clicking on images of unhealthy food (e.g. biscuits), whilst responding to other images of healthy food (e.g. fruit).
The researchers believe this trains people to associate calorie-dense foods with ‘stopping’.
You can complete the test for yourself below, or on the study's website here.
A group of 41 adults aged 23-65 with BMIs ranging from 21 to 46 (healthy to obese) tested the game in the trial.
On average, they lost 1.5lb (0.7kg) over two weeks and continued to lose weight for six months after the trials ended.
Results were compared to a second group of 42 adults who completed the same “stop versus go” training, but involving pictures of non-food objects such as pens.
Lead researcher Dr Natalia Lawrence of the University of Exeter said in a statement: “These findings are among the first to suggest that a brief, simple computerised tool can change people’s everyday eating behaviour.
"It is exciting to see the effects of our lab studies translate to the real world. This research is still in its infancy and the effects are modest.
"Larger, registered trials with longer-term measures need to be conducted. However, our findings suggest that this cognitive training approach is worth pursuing: It is free, easy to do and 88% of our participants said they would be happy to keep doing it and would recommend it to a friend."
The researchers have noted that the game may not work for everyone - it may only work in those who snack frequently, have trouble controlling their eating and are overweight
The study was sponsored by the Wellcome Trust and published in the journal Appetite.
Playing a computer game may not be the only way to train yourself to make healthier choices when buying and eating food.
Earlier this year, research from Cornell University showed that eating an apple before going to the supermarket may help us to resist the lure of crisps and chocolate.
In the study of 120 people, shoppers bought 25% more fruit and vegetables than they would otherwise after eating an apple.
50 Of The Healthiest Foods
Almonds(01 of50)
Open Image ModalApples(02 of50)
Open Image ModalApples are an "excellent source of pectin, a soluble fiber that can lower blood cholesterol," says Wixom. The fruit is also high in fiber and its peel contains something called ursolic acid, which has been shown in recent studies to lower the incidence of obesity. "Apples also contain quercetin, which has anti-inflammatory properties and can help in preventing respiratory problems," Heather Bauer tells The Huffington Post. "Research shows that pregnant women who incorporated apples into their daily diet were less likely to give birth to a child with asthma." (credit:shutterstock)
Artichoke Hearts(03 of50)
Open Image ModalAvocado(04 of50)
Open Image ModalBeets(05 of50)
Open Image Modal"The dark red color indicates the powerful phytonutrient package of beets," Diekman tells The Huffington Post. Indeed beets are rich in betalains, such as betanin and vulgaxanthin, that give them their pigment and also have anti-inflammation and antioxidant properties.Beyond that, beets contain significant amounts of folate, vitamin C, B6, iron, phosphorous, calcium, magnesium, zinc, niacin, riboflavin and thiamine. (credit:FLICKR: USDAGOV)
Beans(06 of50)
Open Image ModalBell Peppers(07 of50)
Open Image ModalBlackberries And Raspberries(08 of50)
Open Image ModalBerries are low in calories and are excellent sources of fiber, vitamin C, antioxidants and phytochemicals, and, according to Wixom, some research suggests they help with such divergent health challenges as age-related mental decline, heart disease, some cancers and urinary tract infections. On the mental acuity front, the berries are full of anthocyanins for boosting memory, according to Joy Bauer, but that's not their only age-related benefit. "These foods are high in antioxidants, protect the body from the harmful effects of by-products known as free radicals, made normally when the body changes oxygen and food into energy," according to experts at the Penn Institute on Aging at the University of Pennsylvania. (credit:shutterstock)
Black Tea(09 of50)
Open Image ModalBlueberries(10 of50)
Open Image ModalWhile all berries provide healthful antioxidants, vitamins, fiber and phytochemicals, studies show that blueberries have a particular and unique health benefit. "Among the fruits with the highest level of antioxidants, blueberries have been linked to lowering cholesterol, reducing diabetes risk, slowing the aging process, improving motor skills and supporting urinary and vision health," says Fitzgerald. "The compound, anthocynanin, gives blueberries their color and may be the main component of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties." (credit:Alamy)
Broccoli(11 of50)
Open Image ModalBrown Rice(12 of50)
Open Image ModalBrussels Sprouts (13 of50)
Open Image ModalCherries(14 of50)
Open Image ModalChia Seeds(15 of50)
Open Image ModalCoffee(16 of50)
Open Image ModalCranberries(17 of50)
Open Image ModalDark Chocolate(18 of50)
Open Image ModalEdamame(19 of50)
Open Image ModalEggs(20 of50)
Open Image ModalFlax Seed(21 of50)
Open Image ModalGinger(22 of50)
Open Image ModalGreek Yogurt(23 of50)
Open Image ModalGreen Tea(24 of50)
Open Image ModalKale(25 of50)
Open Image ModalKefir(26 of50)
Open Image ModalLentils(27 of50)
Open Image ModalOatmeal(28 of50)
Open Image ModalOlive Oil(29 of50)
Open Image ModalOranges(30 of50)
Open Image ModalPistachios(31 of50)
Open Image ModalPomegranate(32 of50)
Open Image ModalPotatoes(33 of50)
Open Image ModalQuinoa(34 of50)
Open Image ModalRed Wine(35 of50)
Open Image ModalSalmon(36 of50)
Open Image ModalSardines(37 of50)
Open Image ModalSeaweed(38 of50)
Open Image ModalShiitake Mushrooms(39 of50)
Open Image ModalSkim Milk(40 of50)
Open Image ModalSpinach(41 of50)
Open Image ModalStrawberries(42 of50)
Open Image ModalSunflower Sprouts(43 of50)
Open Image ModalSweet Potatoes(44 of50)
Open Image ModalTomatoes(45 of50)
Open Image ModalTurmeric(46 of50)
Open Image ModalTuna(47 of50)
Open Image ModalWalnuts(48 of50)
Open Image ModalWater(49 of50)
Open Image ModalWhite Tea(50 of50)
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