The impact of active or passive food preparation versus distraction on eating behaviour: An experimental study

Research indicates a role for attention in the perception of hunger and food intake. The present experimental study aimed to explore the impact of attention to food cues through either active or passive food preparation, versus attention away from food cues through a non-food distraction task on eating behaviour using a preload/taste test design. Female participants (n = 80) were randomly allocated to one of four conditions: active food preparation (making a wrap); passive video preparation (watching video of researcher making a wrap); distraction (a non-food colouring task); no time control. Measures of desire to eat (hunger, fullness, motivation) were taken before and after the interventions. Food intake was measured in terms of mass of wrap consumed and snacks consumed at a subsequent taste test. The results showed greater wrap consumption for active and passive food preparation and the control groups compared to the distraction intervention. Further, the results showed that active food preparation resulted in increased hunger and motivation to eat and that passive food preparation resulted in increased motivation to eat. No changes were found following distraction. To conclude, attention to food cues through both active and passive food preparation can increase both food intake and the desire to eat. The implications for promoting changes in eating behaviour are discussed.