Food-related behaviors, influenced by the health halo effect

Many people fall victim to a health aura of some foods:

• Fitness branding may make dieters eat more and exercise less. In one study, people trying to lose weight consumed more trail mix when the package labeled it as a "fitness" snack. The participants also exercised less when they were offered the "fitness" snack.
• Another study found that people who brought reusable shopping bags bought more organic foods, but they also chose more "indulgent " foods, like candy and chips.

To avoid being influenced by the health halo effect, ignore buzzwords, slogans, and images that make foods appear more healthful than they are.