The effect of pistachio shells as a visual cue in reducing caloric consumption.

Kennedy-Hagan K, Painter JE, Honselman C, Halvorson A, Rhodes K, Skwir K.

Appetite. 2011;57(2):418-420.

One-hundred-eighteen men and women working at a university were each provided with two bowls at their desks – one filled with 4 ounces of in-shell pistachios and the other for the empty shells. The bowls were refilled with pistachios throughout the day. Some had the empty shells removed throughout the day and for others, the empty shells were left at the desk. Keeping the empty shells at the desk resulted in 48 fewer calories eaten, without sacrificing fullness and satisfaction. The authors conclude that having a visual cue of how much is eaten is important for moderating food intake, and they suggest that eating pistachios in the shell can provide taste satisfaction and an easy reminder of portion control.