Those little tricks we play on ourselves really can help us eat less. Researchers presented hundreds of studies in Phoenix over the weekend at the annual meeting of the Obesity Society. A couple of interesting findings:
- One study shows people who have 100-calorie snack packages as treats eat a lot fewer calories — about 120 fewer a day — than those who are eat from a regular-size bag.
- Another report finds filling half your plate with vegetables really does cut calories.
One trick I like to play on myself is to eat from a smaller plate. Works wonders. How about you? Got any good tricks you use to help you eat less?
We do the smaller plate thing too. Another trick that I like to do (when I have enough will power) is to take the portion that I want and then put a spoonful back.
Nice to know that these little mindgames actually do have an effect!
Drink a full glass of water 10 to 15 minutes before you eat to fill you up and to get the water you need. I like the smaller plate idea-will try it.
I think one of my things I do that works, is making veggie sandwiches. If you don’t put meat, you can save quite a few calories and it is better for you too. I grate a few things to make them more mouth friendly, like carrots and cabbage. I will slice some veggies really thin like Red onions, green peppers and squash. Of course, sliced tomato, will work with just lettuce for a great sandwich. Don’t forget to use fresh herbs. I use Basil like lettuce on a tomato sandwich. I love the taste but thyme sprinkled on your sandwich picks it up too. Think veggies for those lunch sandwiches.
eve – I love veggies sliced real thin, too. Interesting how they can taste different just by how they are cut, isn’t it?