(28-03-11) Hidden vegetables: an effective strategy to reduce energy intake and increase vegetable intake in adults1,2,3

1. Alexandria D Blatt,
2. Liane S Roe, and
3. Barbara J Rolls
+ Author Affiliations
1. 1From the Department of Nutritional Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA.
? ↵2 Supported by the National Institutes of Health (grants DK39177 and DK59853).
? ↵3 Address correspondence to BJ Rolls, Department of Nutritional Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, 226 Henderson Building, University Park, PA 16802. E-mail: [email protected].
Abstract
Background: The overconsumption of energy-dense foods leads to excessive energy intakes. The substitution of low-energy-dense vegetables for foods higher in energy density can help decrease energy intakes but may be difficult to implement if individuals dislike the taste of vegetables.
Objective: We investigated whether incorporating pur?ed vegetables to decrease the energy density of entr?es at multiple meals reduced daily energy intakes and increased daily vegetable intakes.
Design: In this crossover study, 20 men and 21 women ate ad libitum breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the laboratory once a week for 3 wk. Across conditions, entr?es at meals varied in energy density from standard versions (100% condition) to reduced versions (85% and 75% conditions) by the covert incorporation of 3 or 4.5 times the amount of pur?ed vegetables. Entr?es were accompanied by unmanipulated side dishes. Participants rated their hunger and fullness before and after meals.
Results: Subjects consumed a consistent weight of foods across conditions of energy density; thus, the daily energy intake significantly decreased by 202 ? 60 kcal in the 85% condition (P < 0.001) and by 357 ? 47 kcal in the 75% condition (P < 0.0001). Daily vegetable consumption significantly increased from 270 ? 17 g of vegetables in the 100% condition to 487 ? 25 g of vegetables in the 75% condition (P < 0.0001). Despite the decreased energy intake, ratings of hunger and fullness did not significantly differ across conditions. Entr?es were rated as similar in palatability across conditions.
Conclusions: Large amounts of pur?ed vegetables can be incorporated into various foods to decrease the energy density. This strategy can lead to substantial reductions in energy intakes and increases in vegetable intakes. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.

Source: Am J Clin Nutr April 2011 vol. 93 no. 4 756-763

News

---

In evidenza

"L'informazione presente nel sito serve a migliorare, e non a sostituire, il rapporto medico-paziente."

Per coloro che hanno problemi di salute si consiglia di consultare sempre il proprio medico curante.