Fool Yourself with Portions

 

Psychology Professor Dr. Paul Rozin set out two bowls of candy in an apartment building's lobby. He hung a sign that said, "Help yourself - take as much as you want."

Everyone did take some candy on their way in and out of the building, but they did not take an amount having to do with how hungry they were or how much they wanted a snack. Instead, each person took what they thought was one serving.
If they happened upon one particular bowl with a gigantic spoon for serving, they would take that amount, and eat all the candy in that large serving. If they happened upon the other bowl with a much smaller serving spoon, they would use that spoon and eat the amount it contained. Hunger seemed to be irrelevant.

Serve yourself dinner on a salad-sized plate. Use smaller sized spoons, too. Your portions will look larger and you will eat less.