Evidence-based health tips for students: supermarket psychology

A supermarket can contain many nudges: crisps at eye level, discounted products at the head of the aisle, the use of signage and, of course, chocolate bars at the checkout.  Despite good intentions, our self-control is often limited at the end of a busy school or work day, and even more so when we're hungry. Resist the temptation by eating a piece of fruit before you leave or, if your schedule allows, do your shopping in the morning.

Our brains are wired to prefer foods high in sugar, fat and salt, which are widely available in our obesogenic food environment. Choosing the healthier alternative therefore requires a rational or conscious decision. However, most of the time what we do is what we do most of the time, as our cognitive capacity and ability to self-control are limited throughout the day. Support your rational food choice by making a shopping list in advance and sticking to it ². Making a weekly meal plan and ordering groceries online can also help.

Finally, the temptation of nudges can also be used in favour of the healthy food product 3. Once you are aware of the nudges around you, you may find that some of them can also be considered healthy nudges! Who knows, you might even be able to nudge your flatmate to eat fruits or vegetarian products by making them visible in the kitchen! ^4.