Article

I read an article on CNN.com today, and it talked about basically what I have been thinking about for awhile.  I would rather see restaurants have smaller portions and charge less than feel like they need to give me a huge plate of food.

The article actually puts some research behind some interesting behaviors.  Mostly that people will eat whatever amount is put in front of them. But instead of asking if they want to "super-size it" they ask if they would like a smaller portion.  Those who did obviously ate fewer calories on average.  The researcher credit it to the phenomenon of mindless eating.  The habit to clear our plate no matter how much is on it and it takes the interruption to the flow of the experience to change the behavior, not posting the calories or anything else like that.

I have found this true in my own lazy experience.  Even when I am watching what I eat and plan accordingly in restaurants, it is very difficult to block off a portion to take home in a doggy bag, and make sure I need said doggy bag.  With practice I'm getting better, but I still find it hard to resist the other part of the dish.  Whether it is because it has been ingrained that I need to clean my plate or not, is a different matter.  I think it does have to do with it is a mindless act.  I'll just pick away at it little by little and before you know it's gone or at the very least, much smaller than when I started.

I am all for restaurants challenging the fact they need to provide huge portions and making it easier for us lazy people to eat better portions. I don't think it's there responsibility to make sure people eat healthy, but who doesn't like a little help and encouragement?

Here's the article for you to read if you like.  Hopefully, you find it as interesting as I did.

http://thechart.blogs.cnn.com/2012/02/09/micro-size-me-please/?hpt=hp_bn8