Snacking, Satiety &Weight: A Randomized, Controlled Trial

Snacking has been implicated in the obesity epidemic, but judicious snacking can help control appetite and calorie intake and add nutrient-dense foods to the diet. The investigators hypothesize that snacking on nutrient-dense, highly satiating snack foods (i.e. KIND snacks with almonds) as compared to snacking on nutrient-dilute, energy-dense foods (i.e., conventional snack foods) will contribute to satiety, weight loss, and health improvements. The investigators further hypothesize that the benefits of healthful snacking are enhanced when portion is clearly defined and controlled by packaging. Finally, the investigators hypothesize that these effects will be seen even when study participants are given clear guidance about the calorie content of snack items, and how to make room for those calories in their diets.

Hypotheses:

• Snacking on nutrient-dense, highly satiating snack foods (i.e. KIND snacks with almonds) as compared to snacking on nutrient-dilute, energy-dense foods (i.e., conventional snack foods) will contribute to satiety, weight loss, and health improvements.
• The benefits of healthful snacking are enhanced when portion size is clearly defined and controlled by packaging.
• These effects will be seen even when study participants are given clear guidance about the calorie content of snack items, and how to make room for those calories in their diets.

Inclusion criteria

• Man or woman age 25-75 years;
• Non-smoker;
• Sedentary;
• Overweight (BMI ≥25kg/m²) with waist circumference >40 inches (102 cm) for men and >35 inches (88 cm) for women;
• Interested in losing weight, but not actively involved with a diet or weight loss program.
• Snack regularly with pre-packaged snacks typically available in grocery stores or vending machines.
• Willing to consume snacks on a daily basis.

Exclusion criteria

• Failure to meet inclusion criteria;
• Anticipated inability to complete study protocol for any reason;
• Current eating disorder;
• Diabetes;
• Sleep apnea;
• Actively involved with a diet or weight loss program;
• Other restricted diets due to allergy/intolerance (i.e. nut, gluten) or by choice (i.e., vegetarian, vegan);
• Regular exercise as defined by participating in moderate-intensity for at least 150 minutes/week.