Keep opting for crisps over kale? Well, there’s a way to CHANGE that

There are days when we want a treat, and are more than happy to indulge.

And then there are days when we really don't want to succumb to our cravings, and yet we can't find a good enough reason to resist them.

If this sounds at all familiar, you're not alone.

Researchers studying the link between nutrition and emotion have ascertained that individuals who are more in tune with their emotions were better placed to choose the healthier snack.

According to the Journal of Marketing, researchers gave one group of people a course on nutrition as well as a course on recognising emotions in themselves and others while a second group were given only a course in nutrition.

Following the courses, both groups were offered a selection of snacks and while the former opted for the healthier choice, the latter plumped for the less healthy.

Researchers believe that their study proves an individual can train themselves to lose weight if they educate themselves on the emotional aspect involved in consumption.

"The authors developed an ability-based training program to strengthen people's ability to focus on goal-relevant emotional information." the paper read.

"They demonstrate not only that emotional ability is trainable and that food choices can be enhanced but also that it improves food choices beyond a nutrition knowledge training program," it added.

So there you have it, weight loss comes down to more than just knowing the calorie content of every item in you kitchen cupboard.