Quick Tip to Cut Calories

by Dr. Madelyn Fernstrom

One of the biggest issues I hear about family meals is the tendency to go back for seconds, or even thirds. Many of us love our own cooking – and want more of a good thing – and struggle with portion control.

Here’s a quick tip to limit your refills when eating with your family at home: serve yourself in the kitchen, and keep the serving dishes there – and move to the dining room to eat. “Family-style” eating with large serving plates (and serving spoons) on the table, leads to self-serving of larger and multiple portions.

If you dine in the kitchen, this still works. Simply place the serving bowls on the counter, and not on the kitchen table. It’s really a case of “out of sight, out of mind.”

Even if you do reach for seconds, you’ll be a more mindful eater, and not automatically fill up your plate a second time, just “because it’s there.”

A simple solution to a common problem. What other tips can you share? I’d love to hear from you!