MIND GAMES TO HELP YOU EAT LESS

There really are ways to trick your mind and cut back on calories.  Some have been mentioned on this blog before but are worth mentioning again.  A couple are new to this blog.  I'm sure you can come up with even more.  Cut back on the number of calories you eat by trying these tips:

• Use smaller size plates.  Get rid of your large dinner plates or hide them away for only special use.  Eat your meals on smaller plates.  Your brain sees a full plate and tricks you into thinking you are eating more than you are.
• Use light shades or white solid color plates.  When you really see how much food you are loading onto your plate, you tend to pile less on there!
• Use larger forks. A study by the University of Utah found that people who used large forks at big meals ate less than those with smaller forks.  It is thought that seeing your food disappearing more quickly tricks your brain into thinking you are full sooner.
• Cut sweet treats, even candies, in half.  Studies show that when given candies, those who cut their candies in half, ate on average 60 less calories than those who didn't cut their candies in half. When eating out and giving in to the temptation to try those rich desserts, always cut in half or share with your dining mates.
• Keep extra food out of sight.  Leaving extra food on the counter rather than in serving bowls on the table cut the number of calories women ate by an average of 10% according to a Cornell University professor.

It is possible to cut calories and still enjoy all your favorite foods!