An indulgent dessert can keep other food choices in check

Researchers recently found that indulgent desserts may not be all that bad for the diet if they're the first meal item chosen.

Psychologists in America found that if desserts or treats were placed at the start of the food line in a canteen then, customers would pick healthier food choices with fewer calories when selecting their main course.

When the desserts were placed at the end of the line, psychologists observed the opposite effects with people typically choosing less healthy choices. They also performed the tests online with a food ordering site and observed a similar effect to those found in the canteen.

Psychologists also noted that people tended to select high-calorie choices when they were carrying a high cognitive load.