Restaurants serve oversized, highcalorie meals from "summary" of The End of Overeating by David A. Kessler
Restaurants have a tendency to offer meals that are far larger and higher in calories than what we truly need. This is not a coincidence, but rather a deliberate strategy employed by the food industry to encourage overconsumption. In fact, the sizes of restaurant meals have been steadily increasing over the years, with many establishments now serving portions that are two to three times larger than what is considered a standard serving size. These oversized meals are often packed with calories, fats, and sugars, making them not only more appealing to our taste buds but also more likely to lead to overeating. By offering such large portions, restaurants are essentially encouraging customers to consume more food than they actually need, contributing to the epidemic of obesity and related health problems that we are currently facing. Furthermore, the way these meals are presented can also play a role in encouraging overconsumption. Many restaurants focus on creating visually appealing dishes that are designed to stimulate our appetite and make us crave more. By using techniques such as layering different ingredients, adding rich sauces, and garnishing with enticing toppings, restaurants are able to make their meals more irresistible and difficult to resist. In addition to the size and composition of the meals themselves, the dining experience at restaurants can also contribute to overeating. The atmosphere, music, lighting, and even the smell of food can all influence our eating behaviors and make us more likely to indulge in larger portions. This is why many people find it difficult to resist the temptation of ordering dessert or an extra side dish when dining out, even if they are already full.- The practice of serving oversized, high-calorie meals at restaurants is a deliberate strategy aimed at encouraging overconsumption and driving profits. By understanding the tactics employed by the food industry and being mindful of our own eating habits, we can make more informed choices when dining out and take control of our health and well-being.
