Have you ever found yourself eating from a big bag of potato chips or a large basket of breadsticks? In those scenarios, did you overeat? Years ago my adorable niece was eating chips and dip at Christmastime and she said, “I’m full, but I keep eating!” All of us adults looked around at each other and laughed (a little nervously). She said aloud what most of us were trying to ignore…
When you eat from a large container of food, you have no idea how much you’re eating or when you’re satisfied. Many of us eat too fast, so it’s hard to monitor our level of fullness. The more food we are given, the more we eat. The best solution to this dilemma of mindless eating is simple: put your food on a plate or in a bowl. Portion out an appropriate serving, and sit down and enjoy your meal or snack.
Eating from a plate or bowl vs. a large container is an important lesson for children as well. When my son was about 3 years old, he walked around the house with a big bag of goldfish just munching away. I had an epiphany (as a first time Mom) that maybe this wasn’t a great idea. I learned to give my children an appropriate portion of food on a plate or in a bowl.
Dinner parties and get-togethers encourage grazing and overeating. My wise niece at the young age of 5 put it so well…we are full, but we keep eating! When you go to a party, get a plate and fill it with healthy foods primarily (you know, fruits and vegetables) and then pick a few of the splurge items you want to try. But don’t sit at the counter next to the food and eat all night!
For many years I would find myself overly full and uncomfortable on Christmas Eve because I indulged in too many chips and French onion dip. Two years ago I had the brilliant idea to practice what I preach, and I made myself a plate of chips and dip (about 10 chips and a few tablespoons of dip), sat down, and enjoyed. Guess what? I didn’t go to bed feeling ill, but I still got to enjoy one of my favorite splurges on Christmas Eve. I’d say that’s a win-win.