You can do some changes in your kitchen, let’s call it “kitchen hygiene,” that helps you and your family eat healthier without as much arduous discipline.

Dr. Brian Wansink reported that knowing these kitchen hygiene tricks can help us lose weight without even dieting, since these simple “tricks” make such a difference in the amount of food one eats.

The most profound take home from his research is that the bigger the plate, bowl, or even drinking glass, the more we consume. A lot more!

Dr. Wansink also shared actual proof in scientific research that even though we try to pay attention to our bellies and hear when they are “full,” if the size of what we are eating or drinking is larger than the amount that is actually appropriate to eat, we just can’t “hear” satiety, or fullness signals.

Larger plates, bowls, and glasses make it almost difficult to attempt systematic undereating, which is considered a safe, sensible way to approach food.

  • The studies showed that people lost 2 pounds a month “without trying” by taking these steps:
  • Eat off salad plates instead of large dinner plates.
  • Drink out of tall thin glasses rather than short wide ones.
  • Keep unhealthy foods out of immediate line of sight; move healthier foods to eye-level on the counter, in the cupboard, and in the fridge. This means, put a bowl of apples, kale chips, or nuts on the counter, not chips, cookies, candies, or pretzels.
  • Eat in the kitchen or dining room, sitting down, not standing up, and not in front of the television.

The researcher also said, which was fascinating, “It’s easier to change your environment than to change your mind.” (Plenary Address 2011- the American Psychological Association’s 119th Annual Convention)