• Get rid of high-calorie leftovers by storing 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.

• Keep healthy, low-calorie foods 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.

• Put leftovers away immediately or keep the serving dishes off the dining table.

In a recent issue of Housecall, the Mayo Clinic's e-newsletter, doctors urged that if you wolf down high-fat, high-calorie foods whenever you're upset, get rid of them.

Availability of food is a major factor in determine how much you eat, according to Housecall.

In addition, according to the newsletter, you get no sense of how much food you're eating when you eat directly from a container. Your perspective is much more accurate if you can see the food on a plate or in a blow.

For more information

Source: Mayo Clinic

Reference: Mayo Clinic Health Letter