Food For thought...

See More Food, Eat More Food

by Meri Raffetto RD, LDN

You may be contributing to your weight gain even before you start to eat! Research from a study conducted by the Department of Nutritional Sciences at Pennsylvania State University, shows the larger the portion size on your plate, the more you will eat. The men and women in the study were given as much macaroni and cheese as they wanted. When the portion was large, the participants ate about 30% more calories than when the servings were smaller. What’s more, the participants reported feeling no fuller after eating the big portions rather than the smaller portions. This is of great concern for those who eat in restaurants frequently since a typical restaurant serving size is enough to feed 3 adults!

A 30% increase in calories will start adding on the pounds quicker than you think! For your weight loss efforts, put less on your plate. When eating in restaurants eat half and take the rest home for another meal.

reviewed/updated: 12/05

created: 10/05

Source: Department of Nutritional Sciences at Pennsylvania State University