According to new research from Cornell University, calorie counters can reduce their intake by 175 simply by choosing the right music and lighting.
Researchers observed how a fast-food restaurant's choice of music and lighting influenced the portion sizes diners consumed, as well as the food choices they made.
Scientists revealed that although diners did not alter their menu choice, due to softer music and lighting, they did reduce their calorie intake from 949 to 775.
Participants of the study also reported enjoying their food more than usual, despite the fact they consumed 18 per cent less of what they ordered.
The findings, published online in the journal Psychological Reports, oppose traditional beliefs that playing mellow music and offering soft lighting results in people consuming more calories.
"These results suggest that a more relaxed environment increases satisfaction and decreases consumption," said Brian Wansink, lead author of the study and the director of Cornell University's food and brand lab.
"Making simple changes away from brighter lights and sound-reflecting surfaces can go a long way toward reducing overeating."
Still, diners need to be aware that while lighting and music can work to help their diet, the shape of the glass they drink from could have the opposite effect.
Researchers from Bristol's School of Experimental Psychology examined the behaviours of 160 social drinkers between the ages of 18 and 40.
They discovered that participants who drank lager from curved glasses drank almost twice as fast as those who consumed the beverage from straight-sided glasses.
The reason for this may be that the angle of the curved glasses prevented drinkers from identifying how much they were consuming.
Considering that an average pint of lager contains 250 calories, dieters should opt for a straight-cut glass to ensure they do not over indulge.
