We all moan and groan about wanting to be in better shape and loose a few pounds, but rarely act on it — at least that’s true if you’re me. In addition to traditional weight loss techniques, there has been a lot of research aiming to discover the leading causes of obesity. One of them is varying plate size.
Recent studies by Health.com have linked a correlation between larger plate sizes in our restaurants and the growing obesity rate. It may seem obvious, but if we’re giving more space for food (in our plate size) we want to fill it up, and (of course) eat it all. In order to avoid this, using smaller plates seems to be the answer. This is something nutritionists refer to as the “Small Plate Movement.”
Aside from avoiding weight gain, you’ll also be doing other good things for the world. By not taking as much food on our plates, less food is wasted, and less food waste is always good.
If you’re interested in cutting down how much you eat, first understand it’s all in our heads. Don’t immediately reach for one of those huge plates you see in a buffet line or at a friend’s house. Instead, reach for a salad plate, and fill ‘er up. Head to Homegoods, Target, or—if you have your parent’s black card—Williams Sonoma, and swap out those big plates for cute lil’ ones.
Hopefully, you take this advice and grab a smaller plate at home, in the dining hall, or at your favorite restaurant, because, trust me, this small change can have a big impact.