For so many people, myself included, walking away without finishing what I have on my plate can be difficult. To begin with, we were raised to clean up our plate, right? We weren’t allowed to have dessert until all our meat, vegetables and potatoes were gone…and that has resonated in our minds since childhood.
The truth is that you don’t have to clean your plate – especially, when you’re dieting and not dishing
portions. Take home leftovers and eat them next day – or simply throw them away – it is ok! Think about it, they are better off in trash bin than around your waist. Restaurants feel that larger portions, better deal they are giving people. Portions have just gotten completely out of control in recent years. Who needs a three-quarter pound hamburger, fries and a big soda anyway? You’re fine with just a third of that!
If you are eating at home, put less on your plate than you are accustomed to. You’ll be surprised that if you finish it, clean up kitchen, and go about your business, you won’t have hunger you may think.
Most people find that when they don’t overeat – which is normally what happens when they eat a full meal at dinnertime – they feel more energetic, have less indigestion, sleep better, and don’t gain weight. If you are not convinced, just try it for yourself – see what a difference it can make to not finish your meal for a while. This time, our Moms and Dads weren’t right – we don’t have to clean our plates.
