Harmless” Habits That Add Pounds
1. Listening to music. Soft, appealing sounds encourage you to dine longer and order more food. Loud, fast music speeds eating, meaning you scarf what’s on your plate before you realize that you’re full.
INSTEAD
Turn off the music at home and focus on the pleasure you get from each bite, or fill up on good conversation instead of dessert during restaurant meals.
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2. Standing. Those who eat out of plastic containers at a kitchen counter consume up to 50% more the next time they eat than those who sit at a table and eat off a plate. Standing makes the meal feel more like a snack, which people consider less satisfying, say researchers.
INSTEAD
Eat at a proper place setting, even if you’re only munching on hummus and carrot sticks, to help make it feel like a meal.
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3. Eating a little of everything. People given 24 flavors of jelly beans ate twice as many as those given only 6 flavors, according to the Journal of Consumer Research. A larger assortment appears more interesting and encourages you to sample extra.
INSTEAD
Survey the food at a party or buffet and decide what you want before filling a plate.
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