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Is it Exercise or a Scenic Walk? Reframing Physical Activity as Fun Leads to Reduced Calorie Compensation, Healthier Meals, and Less Snacking
Author(s) -
Wansink Brian,
Werle Carolina O. C.
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.31.1_supplement.636.9
Subject(s) - snacking , cognitive reframing , calorie , psychology , physical activity , habit , health benefits , compensation (psychology) , gerontology , social psychology , physical therapy , medicine , obesity , endocrinology , traditional medicine
Could the simple reframing of physical activity‐‐as an exercise walk versus a scenic walk‐‐influence the eating behavior of nutritionists? We sought to determine whether compensation or reward behavior occurred outside of a lab, and to determine if compensation effects persist over time. 34 female nutritionists were asked to discuss a study where people who believed they were on an exercise walk ate more at lunch than those believing they were on a scenic walk. Two hours later the retreat participants took a similar walk. Their lunch selections were observed as well as subsequent afternoon snacking behavior. The data were collected and analyzed in 2014. People who believed they had been on a scenic walk consumed only 62% as many afternoon snack calories compared to those who believed they were on an exercise walk. Participants in the scenic condition also consumed more salad and vegetables during lunch, although there were no differences in the total amount of calories served or eaten across conditions. While exercisers might be immediately resistant in their lunchtime choices, they can be easily influenced later when eating snacks. This could provide useful insights or reframing that health professionals, fitness coaches, and everyday athletes could use to motivate themselves without the promise of a reward.