| In order to determine the effects of selective food restriction on subsequent food intake and cravings, participants were assigned to one of three conditions: carbohydrate (CHO)-restriction, protein-restriction, or control. During the experimental session, participants' food intake, affect, self-esteem, and cravings were measured. Data from 77 participants were included in final analyses. The results indicated that selective food restriction resulted in behavioural consequences. Specifically, CHO-restricted participants consumed more of a high-CHO food than controls or protein-restrictors (p < .05), in addition to reporting more cravings for high-CHO foods over the restriction period (p < .001). Protein-restricted participants reported more cravings for high-protein foods over the restriction period, in comparison to controls and CHO-restrictors (p < .01). The role of dietary restraint and negative affect in influencing cravings and food intake is discussed. Overall, selective food restriction is demonstrated to have negative psychological and behavioural consequences. |
