Evidence-based health tips for students: supermarket psychology
In the upcoming months, we’ll share tips on Instagram for our students on how to live a healthier life. Not just a random collection, but tips based on actual research happening at our faculty. The brains behind this idea are Lieve Vonken and Gido Metz, PhD candidates at CAPHRI, the Care and Public Health Research Institute and researchers at the Department of Health Promotion.
In this edition, Lisa Harms covers how to resist supermarket temptations. Curious about the tips but missed them on Instagram? We will happily share the tips here.
Have you ever walked into a supermarket and passed the bakery counter, drawn in by the smell of freshly baked apple pie or bread? You may have experienced an example of nudging: a change in the architecture of choice that changes your shopping behaviour1. Lisa Harms, Assistant Professor, department of Health Promotion presents three solid evidence-based tips to become aware of nudges. Let us know what worked! The reference list can be found here
Apple pie anyone?
A supermarket can contain many nudges: crisps at eye level, discounted products at the head of the aisle, the use of signage and, of course, chocolate bars at the checkout. Despite good intentions, our self-control is often limited at the end of a busy school or work day, and even more so when we're hungry. Resist the temptation by eating a piece of fruit before you leave or, if your schedule allows, do your shopping in the morning.
Food environment
Our brains are wired to prefer foods high in sugar, fat and salt, which are widely available in our obesogenic food environment. Choosing the healthier alternative therefore requires a rational or conscious decision. However, most of the time what we do is what we do most of the time, as our cognitive capacity and ability to self-control are limited throughout the day. Support your rational food choice by making a shopping list in advance and sticking to it 2. Making a weekly meal plan and ordering groceries online can also help.
Healthy nudges
Finally, the temptation of nudges can also be used in favour of the healthy food product 3. Once you are aware of the nudges around you, you may find that some of them can also be considered healthy nudges! Who knows, you might even be able to nudge your flatmate to eat fruits or vegetarian products by making them visible in the kitchen! 4.
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In the upcoming months, we’ll share tips on Instagram for our students on how to live a healthier life. Not just a random collection, but tips based on actual research happening at our faculty. The brains behind this idea are Lieve Vonken and Gido Metz, PhD candidates at CAPHRI, the Care and Public Health Research Institute and researchers at the Department of Health Promotion.
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In the upcoming months, we’ll share tips on Instagram for our students on how to live a healthier life. Not just a random collection, but tips based on actual research happening at our faculty. The brains behind this idea are Lieve Vonken and Gido Metz, PhD candidates at CAPHRI, the Care and Public Health Research Institute and researchers at the Department of Health Promotion.
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In the upcoming months, we’ll share tips on Instagram for our students on how to live a healthier life. Not just a random collection, but tips based on actual research happening at our faculty. The brains behind this idea are Lieve Vonken and Gido Metz, PhD candidates at CAPHRI, the Care and Public Health Research Institute and researchers at the Department of Health Promotion.