What strategy can help individuals avoid overeating?

Using smaller plates for meals is an effective strategy to help individuals avoid overeating because it can create an illusion of a fuller plate. When a person uses a smaller plate, the portion sizes appear larger, which can lead to greater satisfaction with smaller amounts of food. This visual trickery can help reduce the tendency to overfill a plate, prompting better portion control.

Additionally, using smaller plates encourages mindful eating practices. When people are aware of their portion sizes and take the time to enjoy their meals, they are more likely to listen to their hunger cues and eat only until they are satisfied rather than continuing to eat absentmindedly. This strategy aligns with the principles of mindful eating, which promotes awareness of both the eating experience and physical hunger signals.

In contrast, eating quickly may lead to overeating as it doesn't allow sufficient time for the brain to register fullness. Eliminating all snacks completely might lead to feelings of deprivation and could trigger overeating during meal times. Skipping meals regularly often leads to heightened hunger, resulting in larger portion sizes and possibly making less healthy food choices, further contributing to overeating. Therefore, using smaller plates stands out as a balanced approach to managing portion sizes effectively.