Salad and satiety: energy density and portion size of a first-course salad affect energy intake at lunch.
OBJECTIVE
We tested the effect on meal intake of varying the energy density and portion size of a compulsory first-course salad.


METHODS
The study used a randomized crossover design.


METHODS
Forty-two women from the State College, PA, university community ate lunch in the laboratory once per week for 7 weeks.


METHODS
Lunch comprised one of six first-course salads, or no salad in the control condition, followed by a main course of pasta. Subjects were required to consume the entire salad, but ate as much pasta as they wanted. The salads varied in energy density (0.33, 0.67, or 1.33 kcal/g) and portion size (150 or 300 g). The energy density of the salad was reduced by changing the amount and type of dressing and cheese.


METHODS
Energy intake and ratings of hunger, satiety, and food characteristics were measured.


METHODS
Outcomes were analyzed using a linear mixed model with repeated measures.


RESULTS
Compared with having no first course, consuming the low-energy-dense salads reduced meal energy intake (by 7% for the small portion and 12% for the large), and consuming the high-energy-dense salads increased intake (by 8% for the small portion and 17% for the large). When two salads with the same number of calories were compared, meal intake was decreased when the large portion of the lower-energy-dense salad was consumed.


CONCLUSIONS
Eating a low-energy-dense first course enhances satiety and reduces meal energy intake. Consuming a large portion of a low-energy-dense food at the start of a meal may be an effective strategy for weight management.
Rolls
Barbara J
BJ
Department of Nutritional Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA. bjr4@psu.edu <bjr4@psu.edu>
Roe
Liane S
LS
Meengs
Jennifer S
JS
D000328:Adult; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D004041:Dietary Fats / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002149:Energy Intake / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016014:Linear Models; D008875:Middle Aged; D009753:Nutritive Value; D009765:Obesity / Q000517:prevention & control; D012528:Satiety Response / Q000502:physiology*; D014675:Vegetables; D015430:Weight Gain / Q000502:physiology*
D004041:Dietary Fats