Simple Tricks to Eat Less
By Sara Butler
How much and what you eat is influenced by multiple factors. Your environment, how much food is in front of you, and how hungry you are when you sit down to eat can also have an impact on the things you eat. The good news is that many of these facts are in your control and you can reduce how much you eat by making a few simple changes. Here are a few simple tricks to help you eat less at each meal without feeling like you're being deprived.
Use Smaller Bowls and Plates
This trick is quite simple: Using a smaller bowl or plate will make it look like the portion you're eating is larger. In this respect, you can trick your brain into thinking you're getting a lot more than what you may actually be getting.
Studies have shown that larger bowls and plates lead to overeating. People simply give themselves larger portions on larger plates. That's why it's important to have small bowls and salad plates in your cupboards to eat from. Using these will help you eat less without even realizing it and help to get your portions sizes under control.
Pre-Portion Foods
Speaking of portion control, one fool-proof way to eat less is to give yourself less. That's why eating right out of a bag of chips or crackers is a sure way to overeat and lose track of the proper portion of foods fast.
Instead, look at the serving size of the foods you eat and portion it out into a small baggie or bowl before you sit down to eat it. This can help keep calories in check.
Understand Your Weaknesses
Everyone has a weakness for certain foods. You know -- those foods that once you start eating them, you simply can't seem to stop. Or foods that you can't turn down no matter how hard you try. That's OK, everyone has these food weaknesses. But understanding what they are is the first step you must take in order to control them. Once you understand what they are, then you can take preventative steps to overindulgence while still enjoying your special treat.
Make a list of the foods that are your weakness and where you encounter them, then try to come up with ideas to help you avoid the encounters. Stick with your plan of avoidance and enjoy these foods only on occasion.
Eating healthy is important to your overall health, so do what you can to control your portions.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Snellville, Ga.