The optical illusion also has an effect on appetite: the same portion looks bigger on a smaller plate than on a large plate. The visual perception changes the perception and attitude towards the upcoming meal.

 

For example, take two medium-sized potatoes covered in a delicious sauce and imagine them in the centre of an otherwise empty plate. On a large, flat plate, the potatoes look tiny, whereas on a cake plate, the same portion looks significantly larger. Now the perception of the size of the meal not only influences the appearance of the food, but also the feeling of satiety and satisfaction.

Experiments have shown that people eat up to 16% more from large plates and feel that they have not had enough. They eat more and feel less satiated and satisfied.

Instead of a complicated diet plan, it is certainly worth trying the smaller plate strategy. The plate only needs to be about 5cm smaller in diameter and you will feel full more quickly. In other words, smaller plates help you lose weight and feel more satisfied.