If you really want to lose weight and keep it off, buy some small paper plates and try?this simple?experiment.? By using smaller plates and smaller portions the brain is tricked into believing that it has had a complete meal.? The effect is maintained permanently, as long as smaller plates are used.? A recent study at the University of Pennsylvania made the point using foods I might never think of using!
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Researchers, led by Penn psychology professor Paul Rozin, tested the effect of providing smaller and larger portions at to see how it changed the number of calories consumed. Would they eat more of the smaller treats and fewer of the larger ones?? No matter what size treat was offered -- a small Tootsie Roll or one four times larger, a whole pretzel or half a pretzel, one small scoop of M&M's or a large scoop -- they ate just one, even when they were encouraged to consume more. So those who were offered larger servings of treats ate more than those offered smaller portions.
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The findings "suggest that people see food as [discrete] 'units,' " says Andrew B. Geier, a doctoral student in experimental psychology and co-author of the study, which is slated to be published in the journal Psychological Science. "Whether you give them a six-inch sub or a nine-inch sub, a small plate or a large plate of food, one small scoop of M&M's or one large scoop, these 'units' are governing intake control of food.
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This isn't fancy psychology or hard to figure out.? The holidays are upon us and we can put this advice into motion right away.? I recommend paper plates so you can try this out without spending a fortune on plates you won't ever use again.? I know this works because we use it in our home all the time.? More tips will be coming over the rest of the Christmas season.? This Christmas let's make sure Santa's the only one eating too many cookies!!!
