Food Expert Has Advice For Eating Less

Thursday, December 20th 2007, 8:53 pm

By: News On 6

America is a nation of over-eaters. But, according to one food expert, the reason we eat too much is all in our heads. Busy lifestyles cause many people to over-eat without noticing a problem Dr. Brian Wansink, at Cornell Food and Brand Lab calls "mindless eating."

"We're a nation of mindless eaters. We do so many things during the day that when it comes to food, we can just nibble and nibble and nibble, and eat and eat and eat,â€ said Dr. Brian Wansink.

Brian says the mind is to blame for over-eating, not always the stomach. And, just choosing a different plate could stop over indulgence.

"Our studies show the bigger the plate is, the more people serve, typically to the level of about 25 to 28 percent more,â€ said Dr. Brian Wansink.

Six ounces of pasta on an eight inch plate looks normal, but that serving on a bigger plate barely looks like an appetizer, causing people to dish out more.

"The best way to mindlessly eat less is to get rid of your large plates, or get rid of your large serving bowls,â€ advised Dr. Brian Wansink.

Distracted television viewers also don't pay attention to what's in front of them. Studies show over 40% more food is eaten while watching TV.

"We often end up eating more because we simply eat to the pace of the program or we eat until the program is over,â€ said Dr. Brian Wansink.

Brian has made a career watching how people behave around food. His best advice is don't be fooled by hidden dangers of food and packaging. Doctor Brian is the author of the book "Mindless Eating: Why We Eat More Than We Think.â€

Watch the video: Advice For Eating Less