So, Thursday. This week has been insane. Let’s do this randomness thing.

I was quoted the other day in a Yahoo Health article about a study where foods were given different labels indicating they were “light,” “reduced salt,” or regular. Even though they were tasting the same cheese under three different names, participants didn’t like “light” as much as the “regular” cheese, and they thought the “reduced salt” did not taste as salty as the regular.

I think these kinds of studies are fascinating, as they show how much we are influenced by food labels and other cues when it comes to out perception of taste. You could also extend this to our perception of hunger and fullness. The Cornell Food and Brand Lab has some really neat research on this.

Anyway, leave it to a Sagittarius dietitian to remind you to try something before forming an opinion and knowing that you never have to have it again if you hate it. When in doubt, f*** the label and eat what you want in moderation, including full-fat cheese—just keep portions in check. Half the cheese = half the calories but still more enjoyment than a small mountain of low-fat cheese.

Anyway, I just think this study shows yet another reason why it’s important to tune in to our senses and internal cues of hunger and fullness best we can rather than rely on labels and noise we hear in the media.

That said, speaking of dairy and media, I was recently quoted in this piece about things you should know about Greek yogurt. I also share my favorite weird-is-good snack: Plain with cocoa powder, cinnamon, and vanilla extract mixed in. When it comes to yogurt, I think the best choice for a person is the one they will enjoy the most that best suits their personal needs.

Do food labels influence your food choices? 
This post has been part of another Running with Spoons Thinking Out Loud link party, where randomness is the name of the game. Thanks to Amanda for hosting.