More proof that diets aren't a good idea: Those who are dieting tend to spend money more impulsively.
Researchers from the University of Minnesota performed a study in which one group of participants was told to write down all of their thoughts over a six minute time period. A second group was instructed likewise, except that they were instructed not to - under any circumstances - write down a "white bear" if they thought of it.
The two groups were then given $10 to spend in a college bookstore. They were told that this was an unrelated study and that they may buy anything they wished and keep any change.
The researchers found that those who had to practice self-control prior to spending their money (by not writing down "white bear") spent more money than those who were not exercising self-control prior to spending; in fact those in the self-control group spent, on average, three times as much money.
Study authors conclude that when we are struggling to exercise self-control in one area of our lives, such as starting a new diet, it's easier to give in to other impulses, such as impulse shopping.