A study showed that our increasing waistlines are directly correlated with our increase in portion size- and plate size! Our plate size has doubled in the past 50 years or so! Yikes!
So today's dieting "trick" is really a trick of the mind...
Tip 21: Eat on smaller plates and you'll eat less!
Besides the obvious reason that smaller plates can't fit larger portions, theres a few other reasons why eating on smaller plates can help you lose weight. Read about the scientific study behind this "trick" and other reasons why smaller bowls can mean a smaller waistline by clicking "read more."
Basically the study examined the behaviors of people in comparison to portion size. The two variables (what changed) were the size of the serving spoons and the bowls. The people are randomly given a large or small spoon and a large or small bowl. Then they get to go and self-serve ice cream into their bowl. The study found that people given larger bowls overall served themselves more food. Furthermore it found those with the smaller bowls believed themselves to eaten more than they actually had. In relation to the spoons, a similar correlation was found: those with large spoons served themselves more, regardless of bowl size. If you're interested in the more scientific parts of the experiment, you can read the scholarly article HERE.
Basically what this means is that your brain helps determine how much you ate with your eyes as well as your stomach! Eating the same amount on a smaller plate will make you fuller than if you were to eat that same amount on a larger plate.
Using smaller bowls also means that you have to go up for seconds, instead of having it right in front of you. This gives your body time to tell you that you're full, before you overeat.
In addition, using smaller serving spoons forces you to take more spoonfuls, which can also lead to you eating less.
Using smaller spoons and forks to eat your food also helps because you end up taking more bites. Your brain has more time to signal that you're not longer hungry. Plus, there's the added benefit of being able to taste and enjoy your food, instead of scarfing it all down like I know so many of us tend to do. Many cultures spend hours at the table over a single meal, enjoying themselves and their food in small bites. Food is a pleasure in life, and many times those of us on a diet think of food more as a necessary evil than something that pleases our sense of taste. For your next meal, sit down at the table, and really enjoy your food.
Its all about your state of mind. You may feel silly first, eating from small plates with small spoons, but believe me (and the science!)- it works!
Small plates, small bowls, small spoons, small forks. Got it. :)
Just Another Whale,
MyzzLyzz
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