Despite eating the same breakfast made from the same ingredients, people consumed more calories throughout the day when they believed that one of the breakfasts was less substantial than the other. This is according to new research. Previous studies have explored the link between how filling we expect liquids (eg, drinks) or semi-solids (eg, smoothies/soups) to be and people's hunger pangs up to three hours later. The current research shows that a similar effect can be seen with the consumption of hearty foods (i.e. an omelette) and that the influence of those expectations is present for even longer (four hours later and the total calories of the total day). .
A total of 26 participants took part. After two visits, the participants believed they had eaten either a two or four egg omelet for breakfast. However, both omelets actually contain three eggs. When the participants thought the omelet was smaller, they reported feeling significantly hungry after two hours, consuming significantly more of a pasta lunch and, in total, consuming significantly more calories throughout the day than if the same participants believed they ate a bigger omelette.
