Are you a member of the “clean your plate” club? Do you feel the need to ALWAYS eat everything on your plate? Do you struggle throwing away those last bites of food, even when you aren’t hungry? So did I. I grew up with the “clean your plate” mentality and let me tell you...it was a hard thing to break!
While I always encourage leaving a few bites on your plate, using smaller plates will help keep your portions in check. I feel like most people don’t take this advice seriously, but it really does work!
See how much smaller the servings get as the size of the plate decreases? All of the flavor and a third of the calories. I like it!
My favorite way to eat is on smaller plates and bowls. I FEEL like I have a big plate of food, even though I really have the PERFECT sized portions. It’s so simple! Oh and if I DO clean my smaller plate, there’s no harm or fowl because I served myself the right sized portions of food. I leave the table satisfied, not stuffed and bloated.
This Christmas weekend I encourage you to grab a smaller plate at the buffet line; fill half your plate with greens and the other half with foods of your choice. Your waistline will thank you and it’s just another way to stay healthy through the holidays.
QUESTION: Do you use smaller plates?
Love smaller plates and not just because of calories just more appealing to me. I guess the research is small plate bigger fork? Happy New Year hope it’s a good one for you.
I always encourage my clients to use smaller plates. I watch my portions by paying attention to what I dish out to my boyfriend. It sounds so goofy but I tend to just halve his portions to get mine. It works for both of us!
I try to use smaller plates and don’t dish myself so much because I will eat it all! If it’s a bigger plate, I’ll load up with salad
Happy New Year!
Just catching up on my blog reading….hope you and your family had a wonderful holiday season Erin. We used medium plates not, the larger ones are for when we have company. All the best going into 2012.
I use small plates a lot – it definitely helps! I also use a serving cup to serve hubby and I. So even if it’s a big plate, I know the portion is right
I always try to use an appetizer sized plate when I serve my meals. I definitely think this tip makes a big difference.
I don’t (yet) – but I will, soon! Thanks for the tip
Happy holidays!
Great tip! Works especially well when the plates are cute
I absolutely DO use smaller plates! In fact, we have a set of dishes in which the big ones are pretty much the size of serving platters! The smaller ones are the perfect size to fit a side salad and sandwich….Or two pieces of toast…
I am a big fan of the small plate!
Merry Christmas!
i use smaller plates because i think they look cuter.
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but i’ll use 3 or 4 plates.
I always use a smaller plate. It helps me keep my portions in check and feel more satisfied!
I do use smaller plates! I have three sizes (small, medium and LARGE). The only time I use the large is when I’m eating a big summer salad. I pick medium most days!
I always try to use smaller plates, whenever possible, especially when making Nick’s dinner! He never notices. It’s a great strategy. I always clean my plate because I never put more than I need on the plate. That way nothing goes to waste. Buying smaller plates was the best thing we’ve done in this kitchen!
Yup – I use a small (lunch) plate at dinner, but I still serve up the hubby’s meal on a dinner plate. It really helps!
I use this method often, especially for dinner. I use a medium sized plate instead of a big one and end up completely content! Great tip!