The Dish... Does Your Plate Matter?

When trying to lose or maintain weight, do your plates or utensils really matter?

The answer is yes! Research indicates that:

- smaller dishes, glasses, & utensils encourage both adults & children to eat less food. For a recent study, check out Time's Smaller Dishes Could Cut Childhood Obesity.

- food served on plates of a contrasting color give people visual cues to eat less. Find a brief summary (& podcast) of a recent study at Scientific American's Dish Color Affects Serving Size. Experts recommend using blue (least appealing) or white dishes to help control portions while avoiding red or gold dishes.

Try your own simple experiment with measured food (like cereal) in different sized or colored bowls. The difference in perception is amazing. Remember, while the extra calories per meal may seem minimal, those calories add up over time...