The reason it can be difficult to eat healthily is that "hidden persuaders" can lead you into bad eating habits, says new research. Try these tips to avoid mindless eating:
• Be aware of the size and shape of containers. It's the amount of food that counts, not what it looks like.
• Use smaller plates and bowls. Empty plates and bowls, even those of a smaller size, cue some people to stop eating.
• Read nutrition labels, paying attention to the serving size listed. Consider the facts; don't guess at how many calories you're eating.
• Look past the packaging. The wording on a food's package or the language on a menu can influence you to actually like a food better, increasing your risk of overeating.
• Keep visual reminders of how much you're eating. Keep wrappers, empty containers, bones, and other reminders of how much you've eaten nearby.
• Think about eating a meal that's healthier overall. Don't just focus on separate parts of the meal.
• Control your impulse purchases. Don't let signs encourage you to buy more than you need.
