Remembering and Describing Fun Memories and Regrettable Memories Influence Evaluation of Healthy and Indulgent Foods

Abstract

Aim: The evaluation of foods would change under various psychological situations, for example indulgent foods and sweeteners are wanted under severe and difficult situations. Here we examined the reasons for choosing foods after recalling memories.

Methods: Twenty-seven college students were asked, “What food do you choose because they are delicious”, “fashionable”, “nutritional balanced” or “good for health”． Among more than 100 foods, three healthy foods and three indulgent foods were selected. Finally, 93 students performed writing to recall happy, neutral or regrettable memories. Then the intensities of reasons for the selections were answered on a nine-point scale.

Results: Descriptions of regrettable memories lowered the values of healthy three foods. Description of happy memories increased the value of all six foods.

Conclusion: Regrettable memory description lowered the intensities for deliciousness. Happy memory description enhanced food selection reason for both indulgent and healthy foods. Adapting these results for nutrition counselling would support care for malnutrition.