We all know that junk food is bad for us. It causes weight gain, clogs arteries, and is usually empty calories. And if you reading this blog, you're probably interested in eating a more healthy diet. But junk food can be difficult for many to resist -- for some people junk food, like potato chips and cookies, may be practically impossible to resist.

However, a new study out of Cornell University and reported in the Journal of Consumer Research may just provide the weapon all of us need to resist the temptation of junk food when it is calling our name. To limit junk food eating, pull out the cash.

Unhealthy foods, otherwise known as junk foods, are typically an impulse purchase. Thus, when a person pays in cash, it may help curb the impulsive urge to purchase unhealthy food. The study suggested that folks purchase less "vice" type foods when they pay in cold hard cash, rather than plastic.



Paying with cash brings on a sense of feeling bad because of the parting with money. When you start feeling bad when paying with cash, you begin to look more closely at what you are purchasing, including the value of what it will bring to your life.



The study revealed that people purchased 42 percent more unhealthy foods (junk foods) when they paid with cash versus paying with a credit card. The study also indicated that there was no difference in payment method when purchasing healthy foods, such as oatmeal and yogurt.



What's the lessen out of all this? When going grocery shopping, leave the credit card at home. Instead, bring cash because it may help you bring home a grocery bag filled with healthy foods, rather than potato chips and cookies.