The Hungrier, The Tastier

If you're convinced that sweets and snacks always taste better when you're on a diet, you may be right. Scientists at the University of Malawi found that when you're hungry, your ability to taste changes, either because the taste buds on your tongue become more sensitive to sweets and salt or because your brain perceives the same tastes more intensely. The researchers gave a group of college men different concentrations of sugar or salt solutions to drink before and after lunch; the students were more aware of the sweet and salty tastes before lunch.