As a child, your parents probably told you to eat your plate. Chances are you're still doing it right. But why?
It's such a habit that we often don't even think about it:eat until your plate is empty. That's fine, of course, if you're hungry, but you might also eat your plate when you've actually had enough. Or you scoop up again, because you don't want to throw food away. That way you quickly eat too much.
Researchers at the University of Liverpool discovered that those who have learned to empty their plate as a child usually find it difficult to leave leftovers later in life. And that has a negative effect on your BMI, according to the researchers.
Read also: '5 ways not to overeat'
So get rid of the idea that your plate has to be empty. Leftovers can easily be frozen, processed in a next meal or eaten for lunch the next day. Instead, listen to your body's signals (hunger, appetite, thirst) and forget about eating at designated times and according to certain rules. Eat when your body asks for it. And also listen when your body tells you that it is full, instead of emptying your plate because you are used to it.
