Just One More Bite
How the Clean Plate Phenomenon May Be Killing Your Diet
But all those “one more bites” add up. Researchers from Vanderbilt University conducted a study in which participants were served individual plates with any number of cookies piled on top. They were instructed to eat three cookies, and afterward, researchers asked each of them if they wanted more. Those who had only one or two cookies left on their plates were more likely to indulge in a fourth or fifth cookie, while those who had no cookies left or had too many cookies left said they were full. Despite what you think about your own diet, this isn’t a problem sequestered to certain parties. Studies have found that plates and portion sizes in the U.S. have increased by about 20% since the 1970s. The same psychology that propelled humans to eat just a little bit more to survive is now contributing to serious overeating and a staggering calorie intake. There are a few simple tricks you can use to break this habit. Use smaller plates or measure out your food portions so you can clean your plate without guilt. You can also get into the habit of leaving a few bites on your plate to retrain your brain that it’s okay to not finish your food. (You can use your leftover food for compost or save it for later!) With a little effort and intention, you can break free of the pressure to clean your plate.
As you celebrate your last backyard barbecue, consider this: If someone puts three
helpings of potato salad on your plate, would you feel pressured to finish it? According to nutrition experts, this pressure to finish your plate is making people indulge a little too much.
Dubbed the “clean plate phenomenon,” this overindulgence is troubling. Researchers have discovered that people feel pressured to clean their plates even when they feel satisfied or full. Even people who don’t fill their plates all the way often reach for that last piece or second helping because “one more bite won’t hurt.” Experts speculate that this compulsion could have stemmed from habits passed down from World War II, when rationing food was required for most, or from a fear of wasting food. Most people have, at some point, heard an adult say to a child, “Eat up; there are starving children in the world.”
Employee Spotlight Eversole Law is delighted to introduce a recent addition to our team: Madison Bauknight. For our September newsletter edition, we want to feature Madison, who’s been an Introducing Madison Bauknight
Madison has two bachelor’s degrees, one in criminal law and the other in sociology. However, she’s a little uncertain of where her path might lead. “I haven’t decided yet which I’m going to go into. I really like criminal law, but, at times, it can be emotionally taxing. I’m also thinking of pursuing real estate law because I like it so much. Working here is really helping me get a feel for it. But right now, I’m still undecided and getting the feel of things. Who knows; I may want to go the paralegal route before committing to law school.” Outside of the office, Madison enjoys spending as much time as she can outdoors. “I love fishing, especially deep-sea fishing. I’ve caught a couple big fish over the years; the most interesting catch was a shark.” In addition to fishing, Madison likes running, traveling, walking her dog, and spending time with her family and boyfriend. All of us at Eversole Law are excited to have Madison here with us, working to ensure our clients are well taken care of.
exceptional and hard-working part of our team since day one. Before joining our team in early July, Madison worked for a real estate agent, as
well as with another real estate law firm as a legal assistant. “I started to look for a new job, and a real estate agent I knew told me that Mrs. Alysoun might be looking to hire someone for her office. So, I decided to apply for the position, and here I am. I've really enjoyed my time at Eversole Law. Everyone is really nice and helpful, and there’s a very homey atmosphere here.” Working as a legal assistant is something Madison has always enjoyed. “I really like this type of work, and I love talking with people, which is a big part of what I do here.”
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