How many times have you said it, “Yum, it makes me hungry just to look at that?” Well, it turns out that’s actually true according to this story in the LA Times:
An interesting idea to help us stay (or get) thin
“When you see or smell food, you have an insulin surge, which drops your blood glucose,” she said. “Your stomach relaxes, so it gets bigger and you need more food just to feel full.”
It’s thought (according to this story) that the increase in food advertising is responsible for the fact that Americans eat an average of 500 more calories a day than they did a generation or two ago. Now the people interviewed here skip over the “need more food just to feel full” bit to talk about how to get restaurants to reduce portion sizes. And that’s certainly a worthy goal.
But, what about the part where a relaxed stomach makes you want to eat more to feel full?
Maybe we should dig those skinny jeans out of the closet — if only at dinner time. That’ll tighten up the tummy!
Ugh, it just gets worse and worse, doesn’t it, Katie? Your appetite goes up and now portions are huge–so you’re bound to overeat!
In fact, I’ve got an article coming out about that very problem–our vast portions–next month in Treasure Valley Family Magazine. With some tips for how to control it. (And I lost five pounds following my own advice, woohoo!)
Portion control is a great topic — my husband and I have both made progress by measuring our portions.
Conda, Will that article be online? I’d love to blog about it when it comes out!
Katie, it will be online in August or September (comes out in print first) and I’ll send you the link.
Thank you, Conda!