Self-selected meal composition alters the relationship between same-day caloric intake and appetite scores in humans during a long-term ad-libitum feeding study.

Purpose: To determine the effect of an off-protocol meal during a long-term ad libitum feeding study on changes in total caloric consumption and ratings of hunger and satiety.

Methods: During the ad libitum portion of a 16 weeks research high-protein feeding study, 19 participants were allowed to eat up to one self-selected meal (SSM) a week instead of an intervention diet meal. The SSM was assessed for total caloric and macronutrient composition and compared to the intervention diet for 3 days before and after the SSM day.