Food Quality and Preference

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Using food to reduce stress: Effects of choosing meal componentsand preparing a mealKatie E. Osdobaa, , Traci Mannb, Joseph P. Reddenc, Zata VickersaaDepartment of food Science and Nutrition, University of Minnesota, 1334 Eckles Ave., St. Paul, MN 55108, USAbDepartment of Psychology, University of Minnesota, 75 East River Road, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USAcMarketing Department, Carlson School of Management, University of Minnesota, 321 19th Ave S., Minneapolis, MN 55455, USAarticle infoArticle history:Received 13 January 2014Received in revised form 1 August 2014Accepted 3 August 2014Available online 10 August 2014Keywords:StressEmotionMoodFood choiceTrier Social Stress TaskCortisolabstractMany people experience stress as a part of their daily lives. Chronic stress can have an impact on physicaland mental health. Since food and eating are generally associated with positive moods, we explored howaspects of meal preparation can relieve stress and improve measures related to main objectives were to determine whether choosing meal components and/or preparing a mealwould improve measures related to mood and reduce came individually to our lab at dinner time.

ingredients (Table 1). To be invited to participate in the study, each potential participant had to rate the pasta, at least one of the sauces,at least two of the inclusions,andat least one of the season-

  Quality, Food, Food quality and