Whether
you want to reach a healthier weight or be more productive, old habits are hard
to break. That is why so much research is being conducted on how to improve
behavior faster and for the long term. A recent study in the European Journal
of Psychology on reducing snacking may not be definitive because so few
participated but the conclusions make sense. And even more important, they have relevance to those of us concerned with the transfer of training.
A
group of about 60 women wanted to eat fewer and healthier snacks. 20 were in
the control group; 20 were given just one snack option; 20 were allowed 3
different snacks when they were hungry. Those with just one snack option were
far more successful than the others in reaching their goal of fewer snacks in
between meals. The researchers concluded that there were two reasons for their
success:
- They had fewer options
- Their choice for a snack was very specific
