Tips to Maintain a Healthy Weight

12/04/07 Here's a diet tip that doesn't involve counting calories or fat. Research shows that changing how foods are served and stored can help with weight loss or maintaining a healthy weight.

The April issue of Mayo Clinic Health Letter offers these tricks for eating less:

-- Select smaller bowls, plates and spoons for serving and eating. Research has shown that people eat more when food is served in or eaten from larger dishes.

-- Get rid of high-calorie leftovers; store them in inconvenient locations or in opaque containers. -- Seeing a calorie-laden goody can trigger the desire to eat. Food in the basement pantry is less tempting than leftovers on the kitchen counter. Weight loss is easier when healthy, low-calorie foods are within sight and easy reach.

-- Buy small packages and serve or order small quantities. Larger packages or larger portions often lead people to eat more than they would if the serving or package were smaller. After serving appropriate portions, put leftovers away immediately or, at a minimum, keep the serving dishes off the dining table.