Portion control is a key issue in weight loss. Due to distraction, stress, irritation, frustration or various other reasons, we can easily lose track of what and how much we’re eating. For some people overeating means bingeing while for others it means consuming more or other than planned. A better understanding of the most common situations where overeating occurs means a stronger chance of controlling these particular situations.
1. At a barbecue: A small get together with a group of friends at a barbecue can be fun. Still, you have to keep in mind that according to a study published in The Journal of the American Medical Association people who took food from large bowls at a party ate 56 percent more calories than those who served themselves from medium size ones. The reason for this, experts believe, is that the size of the bowl may give you a subtle cue about how much to eat.
2. In front of the TV: Movie night just doesn’t feel the same without something to nibble on. However, a study conducted by the Smell & Taste Treatment and Research Foundation in Chicago showed that people ate about 40 percent more chips while watching late night television than when they watched no TV.
3. Out for dinner: Perhaps you were already aware of the fact that restaurant servings are ridiculously big, but it may be shocking to learn exactly by how much. For instance, a pasta dish at your favorite Italian restaurant might add up to six or more servings of carbs, while a 12-ounce steak is about four times the amount of meat you should be getting in one meal!
