People tend to overeat when faced with a large amount or wide variety of food, such as at a buffet and family-style meals that allow you to serve yourself freely from plates of food placed on the table. According to research results, the more we see, and the wider variety of foods that we are presented with, the more we want! To help control this eating response at restaurant buffets and parties, plan to serve yourself appropriate portions of healthy food and do not go back for “seconds.” When eating at home, do not place serving dishes of food on the table; instead, serve yourself with the appropriate portions in the kitchen and take it to the table to eat. Do not go back for “seconds.” Eat slowly and savor each bite of food, taking at least 20 minutes to finish the meal. Rushing through a meal doesn’t allow your body enough time to feel full and you’ll be tempted to eat more than you need.
