Unusual tips for sticking to a diet

Overweight Woman Eating Healthy Meal in Kitchen Whilst Looking At Camera Smiling
You might eat less by eating someplace quiet. “You’ll eat more if you can’t hear yourself chewing,” Stewart said. (Thinkstock)
This September 2016 photo shows fresh citrus, cranberry and arugula salad in New York. This dish is from a recipe by Katie Workman. (Lucy Beni via AP)
Eat something especially crisp or crunchy. “When we hear ourselves chewing, it kind of enhances the sensory pleasure of the experience,” Stewart said. “So try eating a crisp, fresh salad without any distractions.” (Lucy Beni via AP)
Many foods boast that they are "healthy" or "natural." But what do those terms mean?  
 (Photo Illustration by Scott Olson/Getty Images)
Don’t be fooled by packaging. “People tend to think that products in matte packaging are healthier than products in glossy packaging.” Stewart recommends actively reading nutrition labels to confirm you’re making healthy choices. (Photo Illustration by Scott Olson/Getty Images)
This February 2014 photo shows a traditional Korean dinner of bibimbap, a dish made of rice, sliced beef, vegetables and chilies, accompanied by several smaller plates of pickles and kimchi in Seoul, Korea. Seoul’s hyper-efficient capital draws visitors with its exquisite restaurants, historic palaces and ultramodern infrastructure. (AP Photo/Amir Bibawy).
Serving food on smaller plates may influence the size of the portions you choose. “Eating on a large plate, we think we can eat more,” Stewart said. “Try eating your food out of a small bowl and that will give you the impression that your meal is large and you might eat less.” (AP Photo/Amir Bibawy)
Feel the weight of what you’re eating. “When you hold the bowl in your hands – that makes you feel the weight of your food. That might make you feel full faster,” Stewart said. (Thinkstock)
Sit down and relax without distractions. “Take time to really sit down, enjoy your food and enjoy the experience of eating,” Stewart recommended. “You might eat less because you’ll feel more pleasure with each bite, and you won’t need to eat as many of those bites.” (Thinkstock)
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Overweight Woman Eating Healthy Meal in Kitchen Whilst Looking At Camera Smiling
This September 2016 photo shows fresh citrus, cranberry and arugula salad in New York. This dish is from a recipe by Katie Workman. (Lucy Beni via AP)
Many foods boast that they are "healthy" or "natural." But what do those terms mean?  
 (Photo Illustration by Scott Olson/Getty Images)
This February 2014 photo shows a traditional Korean dinner of bibimbap, a dish made of rice, sliced beef, vegetables and chilies, accompanied by several smaller plates of pickles and kimchi in Seoul, Korea. Seoul’s hyper-efficient capital draws visitors with its exquisite restaurants, historic palaces and ultramodern infrastructure. (AP Photo/Amir Bibawy).

WASHINGTON — The difference between sticking to a diet and overindulging can come down to a number of factors you might not be aware of — even what you hear. Julie Stewart, health editor of Men’s Health, has reviewed a number of studies to create a collection of tips and tricks for eating less.

 

Kristi King

Kristi King is a veteran reporter who has been working in the WTOP newsroom since 1990. She covers everything from breaking news to consumer concerns and the latest medical developments.

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