Could a Smaller Plate Combat Childhood Obesity?

    You may have heard that swapping out a large entrée plate for a smaller, side dish-sized plate will help you shed pounds. Research has proven that a smaller plate size results in better portion control among adults. The better your portion control, the less calories you consume, and the better your chance of losing weight. This is particularly important for overweight and obese adults. Until recently, no studies confirmed this finding among children. Researchers in Pennsylvania* examined this possibility further, and found that plate size does in fact affect portion control among children. This could therefore impact childhood obesity rates!

    Make it a family affair…Be a role model for your family and demonstrate proper portion control:

    • Try to avoid serving yourself form large bowls and dishes at the table. Instead, portion out the food onto small, individual plates.
    • Eat slowly, and encourage discussion during your meal.
    • Aim to eat 4 to 6 small meals per day.
    • Fill half your plate with fruits and veggies to ensure you and your family are getting proper nutrition.

    Sources:

    1. *Bruten, Yasmeen, Adam Davey, Katherine DiSantis, et al. “Plate Size and Children’s Appetite: Effects of Larger Dishware on Self-Served Portions and Intake.” Pediatrics. 8 Apr. 2013.
    2. FruitsandVeggiesMoreMatters.org

    Asparagus, Mandarin Orange, Chicken and Rice Salad

    Prep: 30 minutes

    Ingredients:

    Vinaigrette:

    • 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
    • 2 Tbsp Rice Vinegar
    • 3 Tbsp mandarin orange juice, reserved from oranges
    • 1 Tbsp Soy Sauce

    Salad:

    • 1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed
    • 1 (11-ounce) cans mandarin oranges, drained, reserve juice
    • 12 ounces cooked chicken breast, cut into chunks
    • Instant brow rice prepared to 3 cups cooked

    Directions:

    1. In a small bowl, whisk vinaigrette ingredients; set aside. Cook rice according to package directions.
    2. Place whole trimmed asparagus in a large skillet with 1 1/2 inches of water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer, uncovered for 2 to 5 minutes.
    3. Rinse with cool water and cut into 1-inch pieces. IN a medium size bowl, toss all ingredients and serve!

    Recipe: Fruitsandveggiesmorematters.org