BY THE NUMBERS

Five Ways To Trick Yourself Into Eating Less

Smaller plates and savvier calorie counting: how to avoid consuming more than you mean to.

By Tina Peng | NEWSWEEK

Published Sep 23, 2008

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Discuss

Posted By: skinnyminny2 @ 09/29/2008 3:20:55 PM

Comment: Most people severely underestimate the amoun of calories they've eaten. Doubling what they think they've eaten really isn't a stretch. I find it amusing that people are unaware--they don't even bother to try and memorize the calire content of everything. And they wonder why they're fat. In reality, we don't need much food at all.
Posted By: Koatan2 @ 09/27/2008 5:44:12 PM

Comment: Other than drinking water before meals, eating bananas also helps!???From Tokyo, Japan
Posted By: ShinyDarkStone @ 09/26/2008 4:11:03 PM

Comment: I have to question the bizzare math used in the last example. In the Subway example, "they consumed a third more calories than they thought." Ok, so someone estimates 500 calories when they've truly consumed 1.33 times as much, or 665 calories. Then it follows by claiming "Double the number of calories you think you've eaten and you'll be much more accurate in your assessment," or 1,000 calories. In what world is that true?!
Posted By: skinnyminny2 @ 09/26/2008 3:30:49 PM

Comment: Try pro-ana websites. They're great for not-eating tricks. Always over estimate calories. Underestimate amount burned and always have a deficit at the end. Simple formula.
Posted By: itsme02_bvm @ 09/26/2008 2:40:44 PM

Comment: Another few tips to add is to drink a full 8-120z glass of water (or crystal light) before a meal to help fill.. and if you find yourself roaming in the kitchen because of cravings NOT HUNGER go brush your teeth... nothings tastes as great when you brush your teeth so you ZAP thoes nasty cravings!!!
Posted By: Paramishy @ 09/26/2008 1:36:35 PM

Comment: They could be helpfull but, I dont know. I heard someone say that in order to cut on a particular food, you have to eat it alot, once. Is it true?
Posted By: good conscience @ 09/24/2008 11:06:50 AM

Comment: All of these are good, worthwhile tips. Its implementing them regularly that is the very tricky part! Thanks for the reminders. One day I hope these will all become standard practice each and every day.
Posted By: baldeagle7777 @ 09/24/2008 12:08:07 AM

Comment: A smaller plate would not have made any difference to me. I'd just go back for more helpings.
Posted By: FauxReal @ 09/23/2008 9:30:49 PM

Comment: About a year ago I started using smaller plates and it does make a big difference.