For many Americans, maintaining a healthy weight takes work; sometimes a lot of work. There are many reasons for this - not enough time to exercise, eating on the go, etc.... But there may be a hidden reason for unwanted weight gain - your kitchen.
Here are some signs that your diet isn't going to in the right direction and a few tricks you can try to stay on the straight and narrow:
• Out of sight, out of mind. One study found that just seeing tempting food made people feel hungrier; it causes the brain to release dopamine, a feel good chemical that can intensify cravings. What can you do? Put high calorie snacks in harder to reach locations and give fruit and vegetables the front row.
• Bulk adds bulk. Buying in bulk may save money, but research has found that people tend to prepare 23 percent more food when cooking from large containers. What can you do? Instead of eating directly from the supersize bag of chips, repackage snacks into smaller, single serving portions.
• Think small. Not only should you reach for smaller portions, you should also eat and drink from smaller plates and glasses. Simply by serving yourself from a plate that is about two inches smaller, you'll take in about 22 percent fewer calories, which can translate into at least a two pound weight loss in one month. The same is true for glasses. Most people focus on height when filling a glass, so by using a tall, skinny glass instead of a short, wide glass when drinking soda or juice, you'll cut as many as 350 calories each day.
• Shed light on your meals. People are more likely to overindulge and inhibitions are lowered in darkened rooms. What can you do? Open the curtains and switch to higher wattage light bulbs for a bright, cheery kitchen.
• Feeling blue? It's true that many people turn to food when they are bored or depressed, but the color blue may actually suppress your appetite. What can you do? Choose shades of blue, indigo or violet for your kitchen decor; avoid red and yellow, which can increase feelings of hunger.