I don't know about you but I grew up in a home where we were "compelled" to clean our plates.
Steve v0.8: "May I be excused"
Mom: "You haven't finished your pork renderings and chicken fat"
Steve v0.8: "Ah Mom. Do I hafta?"
Mom: "There are children starving in (insert fictitious country prefix here)-opia and they would love to have even the crumbs from your plate."
Steve v0.8: "Can I mail them the whole thing?"
Mom (scowling): "Hurry and finish or you won't get any dessert!"
Steve v0.8: "Yes Mom."
Even at the age of eight I was aware of starving children in other countries and I would have given them my portion had it been within my means. Hey, I encourage everyone to help in those efforts even to this day. Sally Struthers was one effective pitch-woman for starving children and really curbed my appetite for late-night infomercial-laden television.
The thing is that I was conditioned to clean my plate and whether it was reverence to starving children or for a slab of double-fudge wacky cake, it is a habit I carry with me now. I have to clean my plate. It's just how I was raised and it's something I continue to do unconsciously. Thanks, Mom!
As I grew so did my appetite and cleaning my plate really wasn't a problem so much. Rarely did I miss dessert and I saved a ton of money on postage to (insert fictitious country prefix here)-opia. Turns out that type of conditioning doesn't work so well when you're trying to lose weight.
How about using smaller plates? The idea struck when I was shopping for a camping trip. Paper plates come in a variety of sizes and the smaller ones are cheaper. Easy choice for a tightwad like me, right? We used the smaller plates. I still cleaned my plate (thanks again, Mom! I'm kidding about this; not Mom's fault.) but I ate less. Why not do that at home as well? I'm not talking about commandeering my daughter's tea set but rather switching out our daily-use, American-excess, feeding-trough-sized platters for something a little smaller. 
I was at a local restaurant for their lunch buffet (certainly not as economical for me as it once was) and notice that their plates are quite a bit smaller than the ones we have at home. Hmm. Interesting, thought I. The restaurant was probably trying to limit portions at their all-you-can-eat buffet. Hmm. (gears are turning now) Smaller plates equal smaller portions. (porch light is on and brain is pulling into the driveway) Smaller portions equal less calories and fewer calories equal fewer pounds on my tuckus. (lights are on and brain walks in the door) So, smaller plates equal smaller fanny (brain is tired and now distracted by something shiny)!
Is it worth the trip to a restaurant supply store to do something like that? I'm tempted.
(Day 442 / -153 lbs.) Super-sized? Pile It On- A Smaller Plate!
8/07/2008 08:36:00 AM | mom, portion control, supersize | 13 comments »
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If my son wasn't bordering on being underweight, I'd feel extra guilty about making him finish his food. I've used the starving kids trip a few times to my great shame. But at least they don't really do dessert. We bribe them with their vitamins. :-)
many restaurants do the opposite these days. They have huge plates and excessive portions. So, I ask my server to cut the meal in half prior to serving me and put the second half in a to go container for the next days' lunch.
I always was told about starving children and to finish my plate too. to this day I feel guilty if I do not finish my food. Now so I don't waste it I throw the food I don't eat in the backyard for the raccoon family that live under our porch.
Just a thought, most may have thought that smaller plate equal smaller serving; it makes sense of course. What if instead of having 2 normal rounds for bigger plate, now one think that by having a smaller plate one can go up to 4-5 rounds? Maybe that would be equaled to 2 bigger plates or may be more.
I agree, small plates are a great idea. I too, clear my plate regardless of the plate size. But every time I use a small plate, I always feel satisfied.
Good points. I still feel compelled to clean my plate due to the same upbringing. My wife, on the otherhand, constantly leaves piles of uneaten food on her plate...which, though guilt, I am compelled to finish.
peace,
mike
livelife365
That's totally how I grew up. And to this day I lick my plate clean, even seconds or thirds. Hard habit to break.
We use the *dessert* plates around here for meals. NO need to buy all new dishes!
Im doing this. it tricks me into thinking I have more than I do. I didn't go spend anything at the restaurant supply store though. Walmart had a 6 packs of plastic plates that were smaller than dinner plates for a buck lol. It works though. It's mostly a mind game but anything that works and isn't unhealthy is worth it. Good Luck.
As for the starving children, i was only told that when i flat refused to eat boiled okra....i was very clear that i'd rather take a spanking than eat that stuff. Starving children or not. BLECH
I was given the starving children speech as well. I too feel guilty for not finishing my plate. I have been trying to reduce my serving sizes. The smaller plate sounds like a great idea. Thanks!
I always go to restaurants with the understanding that I am buying groceries for the next day or two. Leftovers from one restaurant meal usually translates into two more perfectly good meals when I get home.
You sound like a good guy. Sharing your experience without hype and lecturing will surely bring strength to many.
I was never overweight until a car accident stuck me in bed for four months and I gained 30 pounds. It felt miserable, so I can imagine what others feel like who gain more. It took several months to regain my normal weight.
For a laugh, recall your photo with the light bulb and look at my blog: http://floatinglightbulb.blogspot.com/
Well, the link gives it away, but still...
I am working on a logo that will make the meaning more clear.
Best regards.
Bengo
@my autism insights - the vitamin bribe is cute. I've got to find some better tasting vitamins.
@debbie - I have a friend who owned a place called Kilroy's in Las Vegas that served mushroom burgers the size of my head. Chase that with their mud pie (also head-sized) and your excellent idea of divvying it up and I would have had lunches all week. Instead, I just scarfed it down. My, how I've changed.
@h n w m - I'll bet you have some happy raccoons!
@bk - workin' the system! I like the way you think!
@laura - It seems to be working for me so far. I'm also working at eating slower. I recall my mom making us chew every bite 32 times. While there's no way I'm going to do that (I'm a big boy now), slowing down definitely let's my old brain catch up with what's accumulated in my stomach.
@livelife365 - what can I say? Our moms must have trained together.
@johnisfit - I'm right there with you. Think of all the stamps that could have been licked. "End world hunger- lick stamps, not plates."
@unbalanced - great idea!
@nessa - ugh- okra! Some really bad memories there. That, and fried green tomatoes. I used to take off one of my shoes and drop that and other dietary horrors into it for disposal. Not pretty.
@john b - Thanks. I can't take credit though. And while I can't remember when or where the idea came up, or if it was me that suggested it, I'm sure I don't have any original thoughts in my head.
@patricia - great attitude. I'm working on it.
@scartoonist - thanks! Hey I like your stuff! Everyone should check it out! (click on his name)