Effects of busy mindset on preference for high-calorie foods

More people feel busier than ever. Recognising busyness as an environmental factor that influences food preferences is essential when considering health-related decisions. This research investigates how the subjective perception of busyness-which is referred to as a busy mindset-affects consumers' food preferences via two studies. Study 1 was a laboratory experiment conducted using a manipulation method with 135 undergraduate student participants. Study 2 used an online self-report questionnaire to repeat the findings of Study 1 and including 209 social participants. The results from the two studies showed that a busy mindset induced individuals to prefer high-calorie foods, and energy expenditure efficiency mediated this effect. Moreover, the subjective perception of busyness increased individuals' estimated need for calories and induced them to prefer high-calorie foods over high-nutrition or hedonic foods. These findings suggest that food preferences in the busy mindset have potential implications for individuals' food consumption.

Rule-based systems to automatically count bites from meal videos

Eating behavior is a key factor for nutritional intake and plays a significant role in the development of eating disorders and obesity. The standard methods to detect eating behavior events (i.e., bites and chews) from video recordings rely on manual annotation, which lacks objective assessment and standardization. Yet, video recordings of eating episodes provide a non-invasive and scalable source for automation. Here, we present a rule-based system to count bites automatically from video recordings with 468 3D facial key points. We tested the performance against manual annotation in 164 videos from 15 participants. The system can count bites with 79% accuracy when annotation is available, and 71.4% when annotation is unavailable. The system showed consistent performance across varying food textures. Eating behavior researchers can use this automated and objective system to replace manual bite count annotation, provided the system's error is acceptable for the purpose of their study. Utilizing our approach enables real-time bite counting, thereby promoting interventions for healthy eating behaviors. Future studies in this area should explore rule-based systems and machine learning methods with 3D facial key points to extend the automated analysis to other eating events while providing accuracy, interpretability, generalizability, and low computational requirements.

Spread it on thick? Relative effects of condiment addition and slice thickness on eating rate of bread

Manipulating eating rate (ER) by food properties may enhance or reduce food intake. Within composite foods, such as bread with condiments, the shape of carrier food and the use of condiments are known to influence ER. However, not much is known about their quantitative impacts and interactions. This study investigates the effect of bread slice thickness and addition of condiment on oral processing (ER, chews per g, bite size). In a full factorial design, 30 participants (BMI 21.6 ± 2.0 kg m-2, 23.3 ± 2.1 year) consumed two types of bread (wholewheat (WB); and sourdough (SB)), in three different slice thicknesses (1, 2, 4 cm), with three conditions of margarine addition (0, 2, 4 g per slice of 28 cm2). The results showed that addition of margarine in both breads led to ∼50% higher ER in a non-linear fashion mainly via less chews per g (all P < 0.001). Increasing bread slice thickness in both breads, resulted in ∼15% higher ER, mainly via larger bite sizes (all P < 0.001). The addition of margarine reduced or overruled the effect of slice thickness on all oral processing characteristics (interaction margarine × slice thickness, all P < 0.01). Perceived sensory dryness showed a strong negative correlation with ER. In conclusion, this study highlighted the importance of bread slice thickness, amount of a condiment, and their interactions in controlling ER. Lubrication of the dry crumbs was a main mechanism in controlling ER in this study. These insights can help the design of products with lower ER.

Are all sugars equal? Role of the food source in physiological responses to sugars with an emphasis on fruit and fruit juice

High (free) sugar intakes can increase self-reported energy intake and are associated with unfavourable cardiometabolic health. However, sugar source may modulate the effects of sugars due to several mechanisms including the food matrix. The aim of this review was to assess the current state of evidence in relation to food source effects on the physiological responses to dietary sugars in humans relevant to cardiometabolic health. An additional aim was to review potential mechanisms by which food sources may influence such responses. Evidence from meta-analyses of controlled intervention trials was used to establish the balance of evidence relating to the addition of sugars to the diet from sugar-sweetened beverages, fruit juice, honey and whole fruit on cardiometabolic outcomes. Subsequently, studies which have directly compared whole fruit with fruit juices, or variants of fruit juices, were discussed. In summary, the sources of sugars can impact physiological responses, with differences in glycaemic control, blood pressure, inflammation, and acute appetite. Longer-term effects and mechanisms require further work, but initial evidence implicates physical structure, energy density, fibre, potassium and polyphenol content, as explanations for some of the observed responses.

The heat is on: Consumers modify their oral processing behavior when eating spicy foods

Food texture properties and consumer characteristics influence oral processing behaviors. Little is known about oral processing behavior of pungent spicy foods. In two experiments, we investigated how adding ground dried chilies to tomato soup or beef patties and curried rice altered oral processing behaviors. In Experiment One, tomato soups differing in concentration of added ground dried chilies (0.01, 0.03, 0.20 or 0.40% w/w) were consumed (n = 23). In Experiment Two, lunch meals that differed in added ground dried chilies consisting of beef patties (0.0, 0.6 or 1.2% w/w) and curried rice (0.0, 0.4 or 1.0% w/w) were consumed (n = 49). Sip/bite sizes were determined using hidden balances. Oral processing behavior was quantified using video recordings followed by post hoc annotations of specific behaviors. When eating tomato soup, increasing oral burn was associated with increasing number of water sips, water intake and total time between sips. For the solid meals (beef patties and curried rice), increasing oral burn was associated with increased time between bites and total sips of water; conversely, total oral exposure time, total number of chews and number of chews per bite all decreased with greater burn. Saliva content and rate of saliva incorporation into the solid food bolus increased with added ground dried chilies while oral exposure time decreased. We conclude consumers adapt their oral processing behaviors to oral burn of solid foods by reducing oro-sensory exposure time, chewing bites less, increasing time between bites, and consuming more water, potentially to mitigate the discomfort associated with the burn imparted by ground dried chilies.

Factors associated with eating rate: a systematic review and narrative synthesis informed by socio-ecological model

Accumulating evidence shows associations between rapid eating and overweight. Modifying eating rate might be a potential weight management strategy without imposing additional dietary restrictions. A comprehensive understanding of factors associated with eating speed will help with designing effective interventions. The aim of this review was to synthesise the current state of knowledge on the factors associated with eating rate. The socio-ecological model (SEM) was utilised to scaffold the identified factors. A comprehensive literature search of eleven databases was conducted to identify factors associated with eating rate. The 104 studies that met the inclusion criteria were heterogeneous in design and methods of eating rate measurement. We identified thirty-nine factors that were independently linked to eating speed and mapped them onto the individual, social and environmental levels of the SEM. The majority of the reported factors pertained to the individual characteristics (n = 20) including demographics, cognitive/psychological factors and habitual food oral processing behaviours. Social factors (n = 11) included eating companions, social and cultural norms, and family structure. Environmental factors (n = 8) included food texture and presentation, methods of consumption or background sounds. Measures of body weight, food form and characteristics, food oral processing behaviours and gender, age and ethnicity were the most researched and consistent factors associated with eating rate. A number of other novel and underresearched factors emerged, but these require replication and further research. We highlight directions for further research in this space and potential evidence-based candidates for interventions targeting eating rate.

Beyond ultra-processed: considering the future role of food processing in human health

Food-based dietary guidelines have been the basis of public health recommendations for over half a century, but more recently, there has been a trend to classify the health properties of food not by its nutrient composition, but by the degree to which it has been processed. This concept has been supported by many association studies, narrative reviews and the findings from one randomised controlled feeding trial, which demonstrated the sustained effect of ultra-processed diets on increasing both energy intake and body weight. This has led to widespread speculation as to specific features of ultra-processed foods that promote increased energy intakes. Rising interest in the ultra-processed topic has led to proposals to include guidance and restrictions on the consumption of processed foods in national dietary guidelines, with some countries encouraging consumers to avoid highly processed foods completely, and only choose minimally processed foods. However, there remains a lack of consensus on the role of processed foods in human health when faced with the challenges of securing the food supply for a growing global population, that is, healthy, affordable and sustainable. There has also been criticism of the subjective nature of definitions used to differentiate foods by their degree of processing, and there is currently a lack of empirical data to support a clear mechanism by which highly processed foods promote greater energy intakes. Recommendations to avoid all highly processed foods are potentially harmful if they remove affordable sources of nutrients and will be impractical for most when an estimated two-thirds of current energy purchased are from processed or ultra-processed foods. The current review highlights some considerations when interpreting the dietary association studies that link processed food intake to health and offers a critique on some of the mechanisms proposed to explain the link between ultra-processed food and poor health. Recent research suggests a combination of higher energy density and faster meal eating rates are likely to influence meal size and energy intakes from processed foods and offers new perspectives on how to manage this in the future. In going beyond the ultra-processed debate, the aim is to summarise some important considerations when interpreting existing data and identify the important gaps for future research on the role of processed food in health.

Combined effect of eating speed instructions and food texture modification on eating rate, appetite and later food intake

Modifying food texture and eating slowly each reduce appetite and energy intake. No study has evaluated the effect of combining these measures to slow eating speed and determine the effect on appetite. The aim of this study was to investigate whether there is a combined effect of manipulating oral processing behaviours (OPBs) in this manner on self-reported satiety and subsequent food intake. A 2 × 2 design was used with four breakfast conditions in total. Twenty-four participants attended four study visits where they were asked to consume one of two isocaloric fixed-portion breakfasts differing in texture: 1) granola with milk and 2) yogurt with muesli and conserve. Participants consumed each breakfast twice, with verbal instructions to chew slowly at one visit and at a normal rate at another. Consumption was video-recorded to behaviourally code OPBs. Participants completed visual analogue scales of self-reported appetite measures at the beginning of the test session, immediately prior to and immediately after breakfast consumption. They also completed a food diary documenting food intake for the remainder of the day. The breakfast designed to be eaten slowest (the harder-textured meal with instructions to eat slowly) was eaten at a slower rate, with a greater number of chews per bite and a slower bite rate (p < 0.001) compared to the other meals. No differences were observed between the breakfast conditions on subjective measures of post-prandial satiety, or subsequent energy or macronutrient consumption. Results of this study highlight that combined effects of texture and instructions are most effective at reducing eating rate, though eating slower was not shown to enhance post-meal satiety. Reduced eating speed has previously been shown to reduce ad-libitum energy intake. Future research should consider combined approaches to reduce eating speed, to mitigate the risk of overconsumption within meals.

Associations Between Eating Speed, Diet Quality, Adiposity, and Cardiometabolic Risk Factors

OBJECTIVE

To assess the associations between eating speed, adiposity, cardiometabolic risk factors, and diet quality in a cohort of Spanish preschool-children.

STUDY DESIGN

A cross-sectional study in 1371 preschool age children (49% girls; mean age, 4.8 ± 1.0 years) from the Childhood Obesity Risk Assessment Longitudinal Study (CORALS) cohort was conducted. After exclusions, 956 participants were included in the analyses. The eating speed was estimated by summing the total minutes used in each of the 3 main meals and then categorized into slow, moderate, or fast. Multiple linear and logistic regression models were fitted to assess the β-coefficient, or OR and 95% CI, between eating speed and body mass index, waist circumference, fat mass index (FMI), blood pressure, fasting plasma glucose, and lipid profile.

RESULTS

Compared with participants in the slow-eating category, those in the fast-eating category had a higher prevalence risk of overweight/obesity (OR, 2.9; 95% CI, 1.8-4.4; P < .01); larger waist circumference (β, 2.6 cm; 95% CI, 1.5-3.8 cm); and greater FMI (β, 0.3 kg/m²; 95% CI, 0.1-0.5 kg/m²), systolic blood pressure (β, 2.8 mmHg; 95% CI, 0.6-4.9 mmHg), and fasting plasma glucose levels (β, 2.7 mg/dL, 95% CI, 1.2-4.2 mg/dL) but lower adherence to the Mediterranean diet (β, -0.5 points; 95% CI, -0.9 to -0.1 points).

CONCLUSIONS

Eating fast is associated with higher adiposity, certain cardiometabolic risk factors, and lower adherence to a Mediterranean diet. Further long-term and interventional studies are warranted to confirm these associations.

Holistic approach to effects of foods, human physiology, and psychology on food intake and appetite (satiation & satiety)

Appetite (satiation and satiety) is an essential element for the control of eating behavior, and as a consequence human nutrition, body weight, and chronic disease risk. A better understanding of appetite mechanisms is necessary to modulate eating behavior and food intake, and also provide a practical approach for weight management. Although many researchers have investigated the relationships between satiation/satiety and specific factors including human physiology, psychology, and food characteristics, limited information on the interactions between factors or comparisons between the relative importance of factors in contributing to satiation/satiety have been reported. This article reviews progress and gaps in understanding individual attributes contributing to perceived satiation/satiety, the advantages of considering multiple factors together in appetite experiments, as well as the applications of nondestructive sensing in evaluating human factors contributing to relative appetite perception. The approaches proposed position characterization of appetite (satiation and satiety) for personalized and precision nutrition in relation to human status and healthy diets. In particular, it is recommended that future studies of appetite perception recognize the inter-dependence of food type and intake, appetite (satiation and satiety), and individual status.

Assessment of Textural Properties of Puffed Corn Cakes during Storage at Different Relative Humidity

Moisture adsorption is considered a critical factor during production and shelf-life of puffed corn cakes (PCC). This study aims to develop and validate an instrumental method and a mathematical model for the characterization of the textural modifications caused by the moisture adsorption in PCC. For that purpose, PCC were stored at different relative humidities to achieve a wide range of water activities (from 0.1 to 0.8 at 22 ± 1 °C). A flexion-compression test was successfully validated in order to characterize the average textural properties of a PCC batch. A mathematical model considering consecutive elastic and plastic zones satisfactorily fitted (average VAR 99.65% and MRE 3.29%) the average stress-strain profiles of PCC and reported useful textural parameters, such as the deformability modulus (E), critical strain (ε_c), and n curvature parameter. The structural modifications caused by moisture adsorption led to the reduction in E and n and the increase in ε_c. Even minor changes on the PCC moisture content involve remarkable modifications of the textural properties, which has to be considered for industry and retail distribution.

A dynamic in vitro oral mastication system to study the oral processing behavior of soft foods

A bolus-oriented artificial oral mastication system was developed to simulate the dynamics of food mastication in the human mouth. The system consists of a chewing unit, a bolus forming unit, and provisions for the dynamic incorporation of saliva during mastication. The system performance was validated with in vivo trials (n = 25) considering time-dependent changes in particle size, textural attributes and rheological behavior of the bolus. Idli, a fermented and steamed black gram-rice-based Indian food was considered the model soft food for all trials measured in triplicates. The mastication dynamics were evaluated by analyzing bolus properties during every 3 s of mastication. Large strain shear rheology tests revealed that the viscosity of the sample decreased over time. Results of in vivo trials follow close trends in particle size and rheological behavior and have no significant change in correlation with in vitro mastication results. Similar observations were made in the half softening time of idli during mastication as determined using the relative change in hardness (hardness ratio (H_t/H₀)) values fitted to the Weibull model. Also, a model to simulate the time-dependent changes in bolus adhesiveness was developed.

Independent and combined impact of texture manipulation on oral processing behaviours among faster and slower eaters

Background: Food texture can moderate eating rate and ad libitum energy intake. Many foods are combined with condiments when consumed and the texture and eating properties differ considerably between condiments and carrier foods. Little is known about how combinations of textures impact oral processing or whether these differences are affected by individual eating-styles. Objective: We investigated the impact of texture parameters (unit size, thickness, hardness and lubrication) on oral processing behaviours for carrots and rice-crackers, and tested whether these behaviours differ between 'faster' and 'slower' eaters. Method: Seventy participants (34 males, 26.0 ± 5.4 years, BMI = 21.5 ± 1.7 kg m^-2) consumed 24 weight-matched carrot samples varying in unit size (large/medium/small), thickness (thick/thin), hardness (hard/soft) and lubrication (with/without mayonnaise). In a second step, participants consumed 8 weight-matched cracker samples varying in unit size (large/small), hardness (hard/soft) and lubrication (with/without mayonnaise). Sample consumption was video-recorded for post hoc behavioural annotation to derive specific oral processing behaviours. Participants were divided into 'faster' or 'slower' eater groups using a post hoc median split based on eating rate of raw carrot. Results: Across texture parameters, hardness had the largest influence (p < 0.001) on eating rate for both carrots and crackers. The independent texture differences for carrot ranked from most to least impact on eating rate was hardness > thickness > lubrication > unit size. For crackers, the rank order of eating rate was hardness > lubrication > unit size. Harder carrot samples with decreased unit size and reduced thickness combined had a larger synergistic effect in reducing eating rate (p < 0.001) than manipulation of any single texture parameter alone. Reducing the unit size of crackers while increasing hardness without lubrication combined (p = 0.015) to produce the largest reduction in eating rate. There were no significant differences between fast and slow eaters on their oral processing behaviours across texture manipulations. Conclusions: Combinations of texture manipulations have the largest impact in moderating oral processing behaviours, and this is consistent across 'faster' and 'slower' eaters. Changing food-texture presents an effective strategy to guide reformulation of product sensory properties to better regulate eating rate and energy intake, regardless of an individual's natural eating-style.

The cost of chewing: The energetics and evolutionary significance of mastication in humans

Any change in the energetic cost of mammalian mastication will affect the net energy gain from foods. Although the energetic efficiency of masticatory effort is fundamental in understanding the evolution of the human masticatory system, nothing is known currently about the associated metabolic costs of chewing different items. Here, using respirometry and electromyography of the masseter muscle, we demonstrate that chewing by human subjects represents a measurable energy sink. Chewing a tasteless odorless gum elevates metabolic rate by 10 to 15% above basal levels. Energy expenditure increases with gum stiffness and is paid for by greater muscle recruitment. For modern humans, it is likely that mastication represents a small part of the daily energy budget. However, for our ancestors, before the onset of cooking and sophisticated food processing methods, the costs must have been relatively high, adding a previously unexplored energetic dimension to the interpretation of hominin dentofacial fossils.

The Importance of Food Processing and Eating Behavior in Promoting Healthy and Sustainable Diets

Numerous association studies and findings from a controlled feeding trial have led to the suggestion that "processed" foods are bad for health. Processing technologies and food formulation are essential for food preservation and provide access to safe, nutritious, affordable, appealing and sustainable foods for millions globally. However, food processing at any level can also cause negative health consequences that result from thermal destruction of vitamins; formation of toxins such as acrylamide; or excessive intakes of salt, sugar, and fat. Research on ultraprocessed foods centers on food composition and formulation. In addition, many modern food formulations can have poor nutritional quality and higher energy density. We outline the role of processing in the provision of a safe and secure food supply and explore the characteristics of processed foods that promote greater energy intake. Despite the potential for negative health effects, food processing and formulation represent an opportunity to apply the latest developments in technology and ingredient innovation to improve the food supply by creating foods that decrease the risk of overeating. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Nutrition, Volume 42 is August 2022. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.

Oral processing behaviours of liquid, solid and composite foods are primarily driven by texture, mechanical and lubrication properties rather than by taste intensity

The aim of this study was to understand the influence of saltiness and sweetness intensity on oral processing behaviours of liquid, solid and composite foods. As salty foods, tomato sauce (liquid), penne pasta (solid) and their combination (composite food) were used at two levels of saltiness intensity (low/high). As sweet foods, strawberry sauce (liquid), milk gels (solid) and their combination (composite foods) were used at two levels of sweetness intensity (low/high). Saltiness, sweetness, hardness, chewiness, and liking were quantified using generalized labelled magnitude scales (gLMS). Oral processing behaviours were determined using video recordings (n = 39, mean age 25 ± 3 years) in a home-use-test (HUT) providing fixed bite sizes for all foods. As expected, taste intensity differed significantly between samples within the same food category. No significant effects of taste intensity on oral processing behaviours were found for sweet and salty foods. As expected, consistency strongly affected the consumption time per bite, number of chews per bite, number of chews per gram and eating rate. Solid foods were masticated for the longest time with the highest number of chews per bite, followed by composite foods as the liquid added to the solid foods enhanced lubrication. Liquid foods were masticated for the shortest time. We conclude that large differences in saltiness and sweetness intensity of liquid, solid and composite foods cause no differences in oral processing behaviours. We suggest that oral processing behaviours are primarily driven by texture, mechanical and lubrication properties of foods rather than by their taste intensity.

Effect of presence of gluten and spreads on the oral processing behavior of breads

Little is known about the oral processing behavior of gluten-free (GF) products. This study investigated the oral processing behavior of one commercial GF bread and one gluten-containing (GC) equivalent with and without spreads. Oral processing parameters were determined through video recording and the predominant texture attributes were accessed using a check-all-that-apply test. The GF bread was perceived crumbly, dry and sandy and had a longer eating duration than the GC bread, which was perceived soft, spongy, pasty and sticky. Results suggest that the structure of the GF bread was easily fragmented during mastication and a longer period in the mouth was required to prepare a cohesive bolus for swallowing. The addition of spreads increased softness perception but did not affect chewing behavior. Oral processing behavior of GF products should be further investigated to understand how eating rate, satiation responses and food intake can be modulated in GF products.

Interrelations Between Food Form, Texture, and Matrix Influence Energy Intake and Metabolic Responses

Purpose of Review

Nutrition often focuses on food composition, yet differences in food form, texture, and matrix influence energy intake and metabolism. This review outlines how these attributes of food impact oral processing, energy intake, and metabolism.

Recent Findings

Food form has a well-established impact on intake, where liquids are consumed more than solids and semi-solids. For solids, texture properties like thickness, hardness, and lubrication, and geometrical properties like size and shape influence oral processing, eating rate, and intake. Food matrix integrity can influence nutrient and energy absorption and is strongly influenced by food processing.

Summary

Food texture and matrix play important roles in modulating energy intake and absorption. Future research needs to consider the often overlooked role of texture and matrix effects on energy and metabolic responses to composite foods and meals. Research is needed to understand how processing impacts macro- and micro-structure of food and its long-term impact on energy balance and health.

Combination of Texture-Induced Oral Processing and Vegetable Preload Strategy Reduced Glycemic Excursion but Decreased Insulin Sensitivity

This study aimed to investigate the effect of the oral processing of vegetables induced by texture modification on acute postprandial glycemic response (GR) and insulin response (IR) when co-ingested and ingested prior to a rice meal. In a randomized crossover trial, 14 healthy female subjects consumed (1) co-ingestion of soft broccoli and rice (SR); (2) co-ingestion of hard broccoli and rice (HR); (3) soft broccoli prior to rice (S+R); (4) hard broccoli prior to rice (H+R); (5) rice (R). Postprandial GR and IR was compared between test meals over a period of 180-min, and the oral processing behaviors were measured for each test food samples. Hard broccoli was observed to have a higher mastication time and chews than soft broccoli. All the broccoli meals resulted in reduced incremental peak glucose (IPG) and an increased incremental area under the insulin curve in 180 min (iAUC_0–180) compared with R. The S+R curbed the IPG by 40% with comparable HOMA-IR AUC_0–180 compared with R, while the H+R elevated the HOMA-IR AUC_0–180 by 62% more than that of R. In conclusion, the soft broccoli intake prior to a rice meal effectively attenuated postprandial GR, without lowering insulin sensitivity as its hard counterpart did.

Texture-based differences in eating rate influence energy intake for minimally processed and ultra-processed meals

BACKGROUND

Consumption of ultra-processed foods has been linked with higher energy intakes. Food texture is known to influence eating rate (ER) and energy intake to satiation, yet it remains unclear whether food texture influences energy intakes from minimally processed and ultra-processed meals.

OBJECTIVES

We examined the independent and combined effects of food texture and degree of processing on ad libitum food intake. We also investigated whether differences in energy intake during lunch influenced postmeal feelings of satiety and later food intake.

METHODS

In this crossover study, 50 healthy-weight participants [n = 50 (24 men); mean ± SD age: 24.4 ± 3.1 y; BMI: 21.3 ± 1.9 kg/m2] consumed 4 ad libitum lunch meals consisting of "soft minimally processed," "hard minimally processed," "soft ultra-processed," and "hard ultra-processed" components. Meals were matched for total energy served, with some variation in meal energy density (±0.20 kcal/g). Ad libitum food intake (kcal and g) was measured and ER derived using behavioral coding of videos. Subsequent food intake was self-reported by food diary.

RESULTS

There was a main effect of food texture on intake, whereby "hard minimally processed" and "hard ultra-processed" meals were consumed slower overall, produced a 21% and 26% reduction in food weight (g) and energy (kcal) consumed, respectively. Intakes were higher for "soft ultra-processed" and "soft minimally processed" meals (P < 0.001), after correcting for meal pleasantness. The effect of texture on food weight consumed was not influenced by processing levels (weight of food: texture*processing-effect, P = 0.376), but the effect of food texture on energy intake was (energy consumed: texture*processing-effect, P = 0.015). The least energy was consumed from the "hard minimally processed" meal (482.9 kcal; 95% CI: 431.9, 531.0 kcal) and the most from the "soft ultra-processed" meal (789.4 kcal; 95% CI: 725.9, 852.8 kcal; Δ=↓∼300 kcal). Energy intake was lowest when harder texture was combined with the "minimally processed" meals. Total energy intake across the day varied directly with energy intakes of the test meals (Δ15%, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Findings suggest that food texture-based differences in ER and meal energy density contribute to observed differences in energy intake between minimally processed and ultra-processed meals.This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT04589221.

Impact of food texture modifications on oral processing behaviour, bolus properties and postprandial glucose responses

Several studies have demonstrated food texture manipulation on oral processing behaviour (OPB). We explored the effect of texture-differences of equivalent carbohydrate load on OPB, bolus properties and postprandial glycaemic responses (PPG). In a randomised cross-over, within-subjects, non-blinded design, healthy male participants (N = 39) consumed fixed portions of white rice (WR) and rice cake (RC) while being video recorded to measure microstructural eating behaviours. PPG was compared between test foods over a period of 120-min, and the bolus properties and saliva uptake at swallow were measured for both test foods. RC displayed higher instrumental hardness, chewiness and Young's modulus than WR (p = 0.01), and participants perceived RC as more springy and sticky than WR (p < 0.001). The RC meal was chewed more per bite (p < 0.001) and consumed at a faster eating rate (p = 0.033) than WR. WR bolus particles were smaller at swallow (p < 0.001) with a larger total surface area (p < 0.001), compared to RC. The glucose response for RC was significantly higher during the first 30-min postprandial period (p = 0.010), and lower in the later (30-120 min) postprandial period (p = 0.031) compared to WR. Total blood glucose iAUC did not differ significantly between WR and RC meals despite their large differences in texture, OPB and bolus properties. Oro-sensory exposure time was a significant predictor of glucose iAUC30min for both test meals (RC, p = 0.003; WR, p = 0.029). Saliva uptake in the bolus was significantly positively associated with blood glucose during the first 30-min postprandial period for the RC meal (p = 0.008), but not for WR. We conclude that food texture modifications can influence OPB and bolus properties which are key contributors to the dynamic evolution of the glycaemic response. Total blood glucose responses were the same for both test foods, though differences in oral processing and bolus properties influenced temporal changes in PPG.

Increased oral processing and a slower eating rate increase glycaemic, insulin and satiety responses to a mixed meal tolerance test

PURPOSE

Variations in specific oral processing behaviours may contribute to differences in glucose, insulin and satiety responses to a standardised test meal. This study tested how natural variations in oral processing between slower and faster eaters contribute to differences in post-prandial glucose (PP glucose), insulin response (PP insulin) and post-meal satiety for a standardised test meal.

METHODS

Thirty-three participants with higher risk for type 2 diabetes consumed a standardised test-meal while being video recorded to derive specific oral processing behaviours. Plasma glucose, insulin and satiety measures were collected at baseline, during and post meal. Participants were split into slower and faster eaters using median split based on their eating rates and individual bolus properties were analysed at the point of swallow.

RESULTS

There were large variations in eating rate (p < 0.001). While there was no significant difference in PP glucose response (p > 0.05), slower eaters showed significantly higher PP insulin between 45 and 60 min (p < 0.001). Slower eaters had longer oro-sensory exposure and increased bolus saliva uptake which was associated with higher PP glucose iAUC. Faster eating rate and larger bolus particle size at swallow correlated with lower PP glucose iAUC. A slower eating rate with greater chews per bite significantly increased insulin iAUC. Faster eaters also consistently rated their hunger and desire to eat higher than slower eaters (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Natural variations in eating rate and the associated oral processing contributed to differences in PP glucose, PP insulin and satiety responses. Encouraging increased chewing and longer oral-exposure time during consumption, may promote early glucose absorption and greater insulin and satiety responses, and help support euglycaemia.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04522063.

Impact of Individual Differences in Eating Rate on Oral Processing, Bolus Properties and Post-Meal Glucose Responses

PURPOSE

Modifying food texture has been shown to influence oral processing behaviour. We explored the impact of food texture on oral processing, bolus formation and post-prandial glucose responses (PPG) among fast and slow eaters.

METHODS

Male participants (N=39) were split into fast or slow eaters based on natural differences in eating rate when consuming two carbohydrate-equivalent test-meals differing in texture (white rice and rice cake). PPG and satiety responses were compared for fast and slow eaters over 120-min for each test-meal. Each groups test-meal PPG was compared for bolus and saliva properties at the point of swallow.

RESULTS

White rice displayed lower instrumental hardness, chewiness and Young's modulus and was perceived less chewy, springy and sticky than rice cake. Slow eaters (n=24, white rice: 13.3 g/min; rice cake: 15.1 g/min) required an average 42% more chews per bite (p < 0.001), had 60% longer oral exposure time (OET), and consumed both test-meals (p < 0.001) at half the eating rate of fast eaters (n=15). Slow eaters had higher PPG following the rice cake meal at 15 (p = 0.046) and 45 min (p = 0.034) than fast eaters. A longer OET was a positive predictor of early PPG at 30-min after the white rice meal (β = 0.178, p = 0.041) and saliva uptake was a significant predictor (β = 0.458, p = 0.045) of PPG for slow eaters when consuming rice cake. Increasing food hardness and stiffness (Young's modulus) had a greater impact on eating rate for slow eaters than fast eaters.

CONCLUSIONS

Eating rate, oral exposure time and bolus saliva uptake were the predictors of an individual's post-prandial glycaemic response amongst slow eaters. Increasing the number of chews per bite with a longer oral exposure time increased saliva uptake in the bolus at the moment of swallowing and enhanced temporal changes in PPG, leading to greater glycaemic peaks in rice cake meal. Differences in eating rate between slow and fast eaters when consuming rice cake meal influenced temporal changes in PPG but not total PPG, and bolus properties did not differ between eating rate groups.

Effects of Apple Form on Energy Intake During a Mid-Afternoon Snack: A Preload Paradigm Study in School-Aged Children

Consuming foods with a form or a texture that requires longer oral processing is a way to decrease food intake. Although this approach is promising for leveraging healthier eating patterns in adults, it has never been explored in children. This study evaluated whether starting a mid-afternoon snack by eating either apple segments or applesauce would modify hunger and subsequent food intake during this meal. Forty-four children (8-10 years old) participated in two videotaped mid-afternoon snacks, during which they received one of the two forms of apple as a food preload followed 10 min later by ad libitum consumption of sweetened cottage cheese. They self-reported their level of hunger throughout consumption, and the weight of cottage cheese consumed was determined at the end of the snack. Children's chewing capabilities and eating traits were parent-reported. Eating a raw apple increased oral exposure time and decreased bite size compared to eating applesauce. However, neither the reported hunger nor consecutive food intake were modified. Regardless of the meal, children eating fast had a higher ad libitum energy intake. The individual eating rate for the cottage cheese was correlated with the eating rate observed for applesauce but not for apple segments, the latter being associated with children's chewing difficulties. This study suggests that the form of a fruit offered at the start of a mid-afternoon snack does not impact food intake; the findings clearly call for more exploration of satiation mechanisms related to food texture properties among children and indicate the need to consider children's oral processing skills.

Consumption of Foods With Higher Energy Intake Rates is Associated With Greater Energy Intake, Adiposity, and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Adults

BACKGROUND

Both high energy density and fast eating rates contribute to excess energy intakes. The energy intake rate (EIR; kcal/min) combines both the energy density (kcal/g) and eating rate (g/min) of a food to quantify the typical rate at which calories of different foods are ingested.

OBJECTIVES

We describe the EIRs of diets in a multi-ethnic Asian population, and examine relationships between the consumption of high-EIR foods and total energy intake, body composition, and cardio-metabolic risk factors.

METHODS

Diet and lifestyle data from the Singapore Multi-Ethnic Cohort 2 (n = 7011; 21-75 y), were collected through interviewer-administrated questionnaires. The EIR for each of the 269 foods was calculated as the product of its eating rate and energy density. Multivariable models were used to examine associations between the relative consumption of foods with higher and lower EIRs and energy intake, body composition, and cardio-metabolic risks, after adjusting for age, sex, ethnicity, education level, physical activity, smoking status, and alcohol drinking status.

RESULTS

Individuals with higher daily energy intakes and with obesity consumed a significantly larger percentage of their energy from high-EIR foods, with a smaller relative intake of lower-EIR foods. Individuals with raised serum cholesterol also consumed a significantly higher proportion of high-EIR foods, whereas those without hypertension consumed a larger percentage of energy intake from low-EIR foods. Individuals classified as having a "very high" dietary EIR had a significantly 1.3 kg higher body weight (95% CI, 0.2-1.5; P = 0.013), 0.4 kg/m2 higher BMI (95% CI, 0.03-0.8; P = 0.037), and 1.2 cm larger waist circumference (95% CI, 0.2-2.2; P = 0.010), and were more likely to have abdominal overweight (OR, 1.3; 95% CI, 1.1-1.5; P < 0.001) than those with a "low" dietary EIR.

CONCLUSIONS

Comparing foods by their EIRs summarizes the combined impact of energy density and eating rate, and may identify foods and dietary patterns that are associated with obesogenic eating styles and higher diet-related cardiovascular disease risk in an Asian population.

[Effect of eating speed modification techniques and strategies on food or energy intake: a systematic review and meta-analysis]

Introduction

Scientific evidence indicates that eating slowly reduces food and energy intake. However, few investigations have studied the effect of techniques and strategies that modify eating speed on intake. The objective of this study is to analyze the relationship between these techniques and food and/or energy intake. Therefore, a systematic review of 15 human studies and a meta-analysis of 7 studies with 11 experimental and 1 observational manipulations were carried out. Only the results of two conditions were included, "slow" vs. "fast" of eating speed and ingestion. The estimation of the effect was expressed in OR with a 95 % CI under a random effects model, and heterogeneity was assessed with I2. Publication bias was also assessed with a funnel plot and Egger's linear regression test. The results indicate that eating slowly is a protective factor (OR = 0.73) from excessive intake. Additionally, eating small bites with a small spoon (OR = 0.315), serving food preparations on separate plates (OR = 0.860 and OR = 0.831), using a vibrotactile feedback fork (OR = 0.847), and eating hard-textured foods (OR = 0.831) are the techniques and strategies that modify eating speed and decrease food or energy intake. The present study confirms the premise that eating slowly can reduce excessive food and energy intake.

Combined Impact of a Faster Self-Reported Eating Rate and Higher Dietary Energy Intake Rate on Energy Intake and Adiposity

Eating more quickly and consuming foods with a higher energy-intake-rate (EIR: kcal/min) is associated with greater energy intake and adiposity. However, it remains unclear whether individuals who eat more quickly are more likely to consume foods with higher EIR. We investigated the overlap between self-reported eating rate (SRER) and the consumption of higher EIR foods, and their combined impact on daily energy intake and adiposity in a population-based Asian cohort (n = 7011; 21-75y). Food consumption was assessed using a validated Food Frequency Questionnaire. Moderated regression with simple slope analysis was conducted to evaluate whether SRER modified the association between dietary EIR and total dietary energy intakes. Faster eaters consumed a significantly higher proportion of energy from higher EIR foods among overweight individuals, but not among normal-weight individuals. Associations between dietary EIR and total energy intake were stronger among medium (β = 15.04, 95%CI: 13.00-17.08) and fast (β = 15.69, 95%CI: 12.61-18.78) eaters, compared with slower eaters (β = 9.89, 95%CI: 5.11-14.67; p-interaction = 0.032). Higher dietary EIR also tended to be more strongly associated with BMI in fast eaters (β = 0.025, 95%CI: 0.011-0.038) than in slow eaters (β = 0.017, 95%CI: -0.007-0.040). These findings suggest that the combination of eating more quickly and selecting a greater proportion of energy from higher EIR foods (i.e., softly textured, energy dense), promoted higher dietary energy intakes and adiposity.

Cracker shape modifies ad libitum snack intake of crackers with cheese dip

Food and energy intake can be effectively lowered by changing food properties, but little is known whether modifying food shape is sufficient to influence intake. This study investigated the influence of cracker shape and cheese viscosity on ad libitum intake of cracker–cheese combinations. Forty-four participants (thirteen males, 23 (sd 3) years, BMI 21 (sd 2) kg/m2) participated in four late afternoon snack sessions (2 × 2 randomised crossover design). Iso-energetic crackers were baked into flat squares and finger-shape cylindrical sticks and combined with a cheese dip varying in viscosity. Approximately eighty crackers and 500 g cheese dip were served in separate large bowls. Participants consumed crackers with cheese dip ad libitum while watching a movie of 30 min. Dipping behaviour and oral processing behaviour were measured simultaneously by hidden balances under the cheese bowls and video recordings. Cracker intake (28 (sem 1) crackers) of cracker–cheese combinations was not influenced by cracker shape. Cheese intake of cracker–cheese combinations was 15 % higher for flat-squared than finger-shape crackers (131 kJ, P = 0·016), as a larger amount of cheese was scooped with flat-squared crackers (2·9 (sem 0·2) v. 2·3 (sem 0·1) g cheese per dip, P < 0·001) and showed higher eating rate and energy intake rate (P < 0·001). Eating rate over snacking time decreased by reducing bite frequency (P < 0·001) while cheese dip size remained fairly constant (P = 0·12). Larger energy intake from condiments was facilitated by increased cracker surface, and this did not trigger earlier satiation. Changing food carrier surface may be a promising approach to moderate energy intake of often high energy dense condiments, sauces and toppings.

Assessment of the Miniature Kramer Shear Cell to Measure Both Solid Food and Bolus Mechanical Properties and Their Interplay with Oral Processing Behavior

This study assessed the usefulness of the miniature Kramer shear cell to determine relevant instrumental parameters of solid foods and bolus counterparts, examining their relationships with oral processing behaviors to obtain greater knowledge about the texture perception process. Six solid foods with different textural properties were tested. Bolus mechanical properties were also determined by means of cone penetration tests and rheological measurements, and their particle size distributions by sieving. Oral processing behavior (chewing time, number of chews, chewing rate, eating rate) and food saliva uptake (SU) of a young volunteer and a panel of 39 untrained participants were analyzed. The Kramer mechanical properties were very suitable for detecting different levels of food and bolus textural hardness and fracturability and the associated degrees of fragmentation achieved during mastication. Chewing time and number of chews were highly correlated with Kramer food and bolus mechanical properties for the single subject and for the panel's oral processing behaviors. For the single subject, SU and eating rate also showed strong correlations with food and bolus mechanical properties, unlike chewing rate and food moisture content (FMC). In contrast, eating rate, FMC, and SU did not vary with the oral activities of the panel.

Eating behaviors moderate the associations between risk factors in the first 1000 days and adiposity outcomes at 6 years of age

BACKGROUND

Several risk factors in the first 1000 d are linked with increased obesity risk in later childhood. The role of potentially modifiable eating behaviors in this association is unclear.

OBJECTIVES

This study examined whether the association between cumulated risk factors in the first 1000 d and adiposity at 6 y is moderated by eating behaviors.

METHODS

Participants were 302 children from the GUSTO (Growing Up in Singapore Towards healthy Outcomes) cohort. Risk factors included maternal prepregnancy and paternal overweight, excessive gestational weight gain, raised fasting plasma glucose during pregnancy, short breastfeeding duration, and early introduction of solid foods. Composite risk scores reflecting the prevalence and the importance of the risk factors present were computed. Adiposity outcomes were child BMI and sum of skinfolds (SSF), and candidate eating behavior moderators were portion size, eating rate, and energy intake during lunch and in an eating in the absence of hunger task.

RESULTS

Higher composite risk score predicted higher BMI z scores (B = 0.08; 95% CI: 0.04, 0.13) and larger SSF (0.70 mm; 0.23, 1.18 mm), and was associated with larger self-served food portions (5.03 kcal; 0.47, 9.60 kcal), faster eating rates (0.40 g/min; 0.21, 0.59 g/min), and larger lunch intakes (7.05 kcal; 3.37, 10.74 kcal). Importantly, the association between composite risk score and adiposity was moderated by eating behaviors. The composite risk score was unrelated to SSF in children who selected smaller food portions, ate slower, and consumed less energy, but was positively associated with SSF among children who selected larger food portions, ate faster, and consumed more energy (eating behavior × risk score interactions: P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The association between risk factors in the first 1000 d and adiposity at 6 y varies by eating behaviors, highlighting modifiable behavioral targets for interventions.This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01174875.

Ultra-Processing or Oral Processing? A Role for Energy Density and Eating Rate in Moderating Energy Intake from Processed Foods

BACKGROUND

Recent observational data and a controlled in-patient crossover feeding trial show that consumption of "ultra-processed foods" (UPFs), as defined by the NOVA classification system, is associated with higher energy intake, adiposity, and at a population level, higher prevalence of obesity. A drawback of the NOVA classification is the lack of evidence supporting a causal mechanism for why UPFs lead to overconsumption of energy. In a recent study by Hall the energy intake rate in the UPF condition (48 kcal/min) was >50% higher than in the unprocessed condition (31 kcal/min). Extensive empirical evidence has shown the impact that higher energy density has on increasing ad libitum energy intake and body weight. A significant body of research has shown that consuming foods at higher eating rates is related to higher energy intake and a higher prevalence of obesity. Energy density can be combined with eating rate to create a measure of energy intake rate (kcal/min), providing an index of a food's potential to promote increased energy intake.

OBJECTIVE

The current paper compared the association between measured energy intake rate and level of processing as defined by the NOVA classification.

METHODS

Data were pooled from 5 published studies that measured energy intake rates across a total sample of 327 foods.

RESULTS

We show that going from unprocessed, to processed, to UPFs that the average energy intake rate increases from 35.5 ± 4.4, to 53.7 ± 4.3, to 69.4 ± 3.1 kcal/min (P < 0.05). However, within each processing category there is wide variability in the energy intake rate.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that reported relations between UPF consumption and obesity should account for differences in energy intake rates when comparing unprocessed and ultra-processed diets. Future research requires well-controlled human feeding trials to establish the causal mechanisms for why certain UPFs can promote higher energy intake.

Reducing the glycemic impact of carbohydrates on foods and meals: Strategies for the food industry and consumers with special focus on Asia

Type 2 diabetes is increasingly prevalent in Asia, which can be attributed to a carbohydrate-rich diet, consisting of foods in the form of grains, for example, rice, or a food product made from flours or isolated starch, for example, noodles. Carbohydrates become a health issue when they are digested and absorbed rapidly (high glycemic index), and more so when they are consumed in large quantities (high glycemic load). The principal strategies of glycemic control should thus aim to reduce the amount of carbohydrate available for digestion, reduce the rate of digestion of the food, reduce the rate of glucose absorption, and increase the rate of glucose removal from blood. From a food perspective, the composition and structure of the food can be modified to reduce the amount of carbohydrates or alter starch digestibility and glucose absorption rates via using different food ingredients and processing methods. From a human perspective, eating behavior and food choices surrounding a meal can also affect glycemic response. This review therefore identifies actionable strategies and opportunities across foods and meals that can be considered by food manufacturers or consumers. They are (a) using alternative ingredients, (b) adding functional ingredients, and (c) changing processing methods and parameters for foods, and optimizing (a) eating behavior, (b) preloading or co-ingestion of other macronutrients, and (c) meal sequence and history. The effectiveness of a strategy would depend on consumer acceptance, compatibility of the strategy with an existing food product, and whether it is economically or technologically feasible. A combination of two or more strategies is recommended for greater effectiveness and flexibility.

Acute effects of an isocaloric macronutrient-matched breakfast meal containing almonds on glycemic, hormonal, and appetite responses in men with type 2 diabetes: a randomized crossover study

This randomized crossover study assessed the acute effects of almonds on postprandial glycemic, hormonal, and appetite responses in a sample of 7 men with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Participants completed 2 experimental visits during which a control (white bread, butter, cheese) and a test (white bread, almonds) meal were ingested. Energy, available carbohydrate, total lipid, and protein content were the same in both meals. Blood samples were collected in fasting state as well as 15, 30, 60, 90, 120, and 240 min postprandially for quantifying blood glucose, as well as insulin and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) serum concentrations. Subjective appetite sensations were assessed using visual analog scales at the same time-points. Within this sample of participants, the test meal was found to be associated with lower postprandial glycemia and insulinemia, higher GLP-1 serum concentrations, decreased hunger and desire to eat, and increased fullness. The test meal was also associated with an increased estimated glucose metabolic clearance rate, indicating higher postprandial insulin sensitivity. Overall, results suggest that almonds' macronutrient subtype profile could have a beneficial impact on postprandial glycemic, hormonal, and appetite responses in men with T2D. Studies with larger sample sizes are warranted to confirm these findings. Novelty A meal containing almonds (vs. isocaloric macronutrient-matched control) induced lower glycemic and insulinemic responses. A meal containing almonds (vs. isocaloric macronutrient-matched control) induced a greater elevation in postprandial GLP-1 serum concentrations. A meal containing almonds (vs. isocaloric macronutrient-matched control) induced more favourable postprandial appetite responses.

Unaware of the amount consumed: Systematic error in estimating food- and drink intake

BACKGROUND

Our current food environment promotes overconsumption due to the overrepresentation of foods that have a high calorie density and can be easily consumed. These food characteristics lead to limited oro-sensory exposure, which may lead to overconsumption due to insufficient perception of the amount consumed. Better perception of the amount eaten and thus a better ability to estimate intake may help control actual food intake through prolonged inter-meal interval and smaller meal sizes.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to determine whether food form, flavor and portion size influence the error in estimated intake (EiE).

METHOD

Participants (n = 72) were recruited at a science festival where the study was also performed. The experiment had a 2 × 2 × 3 design with a reference condition. Experimental conditions differed in food form (liquid vs. solid stimuli), taste category (savory vs. sweet) and portion size (small, medium, large). Water was used as a reference condition.

RESULTS

Participants overestimated the amount consumed of all stimuli. The overestimation was ten times greater for solid compared to liquid products (104 ± 12 vs 12 ± 9% overestimation) and was more pronounced for sweet (75 ± 9%) than for savory products (41 ± 12%). There was a trend for larger EiE% of smaller portions. No differences were found among the differently flavored liquids including the water reference.

CONCLUSION

People overestimate the amount they consume of solid and sweet products more than that of liquid and savory products. This overestimation may be due to overvaluation of the oro-sensory stimulation when visual cues and intake effort are controlled for or because of learned associations. However, the uncontrolled setting of the experiment should be taken into account when drawing conclusions. Future research may replicate the study in a more controlled setting and should determine whether the overestimation of sweet solid product intake also leads to lower intake at a subsequent meal.

A review of evidence supporting current strategies, challenges, and opportunities to reduce portion sizes

Although there is considerable evidence for the portion-size effect and its potential impact on health, much of this has not been successfully applied to help consumers reduce portion sizes. The objective of this review is to provide an update on the strength of evidence supporting strategies with potential to reduce portion sizes across individuals and eating contexts. Three levels of action are considered: food-level strategies (targeting commercial snack and meal portion sizes, packaging, food labels, tableware, and food sensory properties), individual-level strategies (targeting eating rate and bite size, portion norms, plate-cleaning tendencies, and cognitive processes), and population approaches (targeting the physical, social, and economic environment and health policy). Food- and individual-level strategies are associated with small to moderate effects; however, in isolation, none seem to have sufficient impact on food intake to reverse the portion-size effect and its consequences. Wider changes to the portion-size environment will be necessary to support individual- and food-level strategies leading to portion control.

Shape up! How shape, size and addition of condiments influence eating behavior towards vegetables

Practical approaches to increase consumption of healthy foods such as vegetables are needed. Controlling eating rate is a promising strategy, since faster eating rates have been related to higher food intake. Food properties can be modified to influence eating rates, but little is known about the impact of vegetable dimensions and condiment additions on eating rates of vegetables. This study determined the influence of shape, size and condiment properties on eating behavior towards carrots. Eating behavior (mastication time, number of chews, chewing frequency, eating rate) was determined for carrots with same total weight but different shapes (cube, julienne), and varying in size, number of pieces and aspect ratio. Carrots presented in one large cube required the lowest mastication effort (shortest mastication time, fewest chews) among all pre-cut carrots. Carrot cubes required less mastication effort leading to higher eating rates than carrots julienne. To investigate the effect of condiment addition on eating behavior towards carrots, mayonnaises varying in fat content and viscosity were combined with carrots, and mastication behavior and bolus properties were determined. Mayonnaises, in particular those with high fat content or low viscosity, contributed to faster bolus formation of carrots. Carrots were swallowed with less particles of larger sizes when mayonnaises were added. These results indicate that a specific particle size is not a prerequisite to induce swallowing, and that other bolus properties such as lubrication or cohesiveness trigger the urge to swallow. We conclude that eating behavior towards carrots can be controlled by relatively small changes in both carrot and condiment properties. To increase carrot intake by increasing eating rate, we suggest to avoid cutting of carrots or to add condiments, which could be an effective strategy to increase vegetable consumption or to decrease mastication effort to target the elderly population.

Moderate eating with pleasure and without effort: Toward understanding the underlying psychological mechanisms

Integrating research on elementary eating behaviors, savoring, mental imagery, mindfulness, cooking, and dinner rituals, a psychological theory of moderate eating is formulated that does not require effortful self-control and giving up on the pleasures of eating. The theory proposes that taste and pleasure can be combined with a relatively objective attitude toward food, resulting in a relatively slow, gentle, and thoughtful manner of eating that enhances satiation. The objective food attitude is thought to result from (a) the accumulation of multiple sensorimotor expectancies and perspectives and (b) a motivational mechanism underlying prosocial behavior, food sharing, and aggression-inhibiting dinner rituals.

Associations between inhibitory control, eating behaviours and adiposity in 6-year-old children

Background

Lower inhibitory control has been associated with obesity. One prediction is that lower inhibitory control underlies eating behaviours that promote increased energy intakes. This study examined the relationships between children’s inhibitory control measured using the Stop Signal Task (SST), body composition and eating behaviours, which included self-served portion size, number of servings, eating rate, and energy intake at lunch and in an eating in the absence of hunger (EAH) task.

Methods

The sample included 255 six year old children from an Asian cohort. Stop-signal reaction time (SSRT) was used as an index of inhibitory control. Children participated in a recorded self-served lunchtime meal, followed by the EAH task where they were exposed to energy-dense snacks. Behavioural coding of oral processing was used to estimate eating rates (g/min). BMI, waist circumference and skinfolds were used as indices of adiposity.

Results

Children with lower inhibitory control tended to self-serve larger food portions (p=0.054), had multiple food servings (p=0.006) and significantly faster eating rates (p=0.041). Inhibitory control did not predict energy intake at lunch (p=0.17) or during the EAH task (p=0.45), and was unrelated to measures of adiposity (p>0.32). Twenty percent of the children in the sample had problems focusing on the SST and were described as ‘restless’. Post-hoc analysis revealed that these children had lower inhibitory control (p<0.001) and consumed more energy during the EAH task (p=0.01), but did not differ in any other key outcomes from the rest of the sample (p>0.1).

Conclusions

Children with lower inhibitory control showed a trend to select larger food portions, had multiple food servings and faster eating rates, but were equally as responsive to snacks served in the absence of hunger as children with better inhibitory control. Inhibitory control may impact a number of eating behaviours, not limited to energy-dense snacks.

Correlation of instrumental texture properties from textural profile analysis (TPA) with eating behaviours and macronutrient composition for a wide range of solid foods

Faster eating rates have previously been associated with higher ad libitum energy intakes, and several studies have manipulated eating rates and intake by changing food textures. Food texture based changes to slow eating rates can produce reductions in energy intake without affecting post-meal satisfaction or re-bound hunger. However, an understanding of how specific food textures and instrumental texture properties influence oral processing behaviour remains limited. The current study sought to establish relationships between objective measures of oral processing behaviour (i.e. number of bites, average bite size, total chews, chews per bite, oro-sensory exposure time and eating rate) and instrumental measures of a food texture including hardness, adhesiveness, springiness, cohesiveness, chewiness, resilience and modulus. Across two studies, behavioural coding analysis was completed on video-recordings of participants consuming fixed portions of a wide range of different solid foods (n = 59) to derive objective measures of oral processing behaviours. These measures were correlated with instrumental Textural Profile Analysis (TPA) for the same set of foods. Significant correlations (p < 0.05) were found between oral processing parameters and texture properties (i.e. springiness, cohesiveness, chewiness and resilience). No significant correlations were found between hardness and modulus and oral processing parameters. Protein content of the food was associated with springiness and chewiness, which may help to further reduce eating rates. In terms of the 'breakdown path model', hardness and modulus might represent degree of initial food structure while springiness, cohesiveness, chewiness and resilience seem to determine how fast the degree of structure is reduced to the swallowing plane. Water content and adhesiveness were associated with level of lubrication that is required before reaching the swallowing plane. The current study highlights opportunities to understand eating rate (g min-1) through the breakdown path model and the potential for specific features of a foods texture to influence rate and extent of energy intake. The correlation between instrumental texture properties and oral processing patterns provides guidance on the parameters that are likely to produce 'faster' and 'slower' versions of foods, and suggests how texture modifications could be applied to moderate eating rate and energy intake within meals.

Expectations About Satiety and Thirst Are Modified by Acute Motivational State

Prior research has shown that consumers have clear and measurable expectations about the likely effects of food and drink items on their appetite and thirst, which are acquired with experience and influenced by a product's taste and texture. What is unclear is whether expression of these expectations also varies with current appetitive state. It is possible that current appetite could increase or decrease the relevance of these expectations for future food choice and magnify a product's expected impact on appetite. To test this, we contrasted expectations about satiety and thirst for four products consumed 2 h after an appetite manipulation at breakfast, achieved through ad libitum access to low-energy drinks only (hunger condition), cereal only but no drinks (thirst condition) or both foods and drinks (sated condition). The test products were two soups and two drinks, with a thicker and thinner version of each product type to act as positive control to ensure sensitivity in detecting differences in expectations. For satiety, the predicted differences between products were seen: soups and thicker products were expected to be more filling and to suppress subsequent hunger more than drinks and thinner products, but these differences were more pronounced in the hunger than thirsty or sated conditions. Being thirsty also enhanced expectations of how much drinks would appease immediate thirst. Overall the data show that expectations were adjusted subtly by a person's current appetitive state, suggesting that we have mechanisms that highlight the most important features of a product at the time when it may be most beneficial to the consumer.