Does Offering Smaller Portions At Restaurants Help People Eat Less?

NPR -  http://www.npr.org/blogs/thesalt/2012/02/08/146578665/does-offering-smaller-portions-at-restaurants-help-people-eat-less

A server offers you the option to downsize the fried rice side in your Chinese takeout order by half.

She tells you that if you accept her offer, you'll save at least 200 calories.

Do you take it?

About one-third of diners (out of several hundred) who were given that choice at a Chinese takeout restaurant said yes, according to a study out today in the journal Health Affairs.

The diners who chose the smaller noodle and rice dishes also ended up eating less overall — and avoided overeating — compared with those who ordered a full serving.

"People are willing to downsize, but you have to ask them do it," lead author Janet Schwartz, a psychologist and assistant professor of marketing at Tulane University, tells The Salt. "They're not going to do it on their own."

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I would absolutely buy smaller portions if offered.  Instead, I've often just avoided going out to eat because it's just overwhelming.  Compared to many families, we don't eat out that often, with two gastric bypass'ed parents in the family...  We also cook less overall, it's not... a good thing.  

The first years were very difficult, but now that we can both eat normal portions of food -- being OFFERED LESS would be welcomed.  I generally scan most menus and pick the "best" option for me -- which often means a plate of meat.  I usually take more than 50% of my meal home and pick at it.

I do wish restaurants would offer mini-portions of foods, the ultimate would be lean meats/greens/beans and whole grain offerings at 200-400 calories.  I'd be thrilled to find something OTHER than a burger.

You?

There is no cost savings to the restaurant to cut down on rice.  It is so cheap and fills up the order to make it look bigger.  But it also makes us get bigger.

A downsize menu would be fantastic.  Just like we have children's and senior citizen menus.

How about making the downsize order the same plate size by adding extra green beans, peppers or other low carb vegetables?  People want to think that they are getting their money's worth.  It would be so nice to just order a meal and not have to worry about being tempted to eat the rice, pasta, noodles, potatoes, etc.  Sometimes we just don't feel like being the picky customer who wants things served their way.  I just order off the menu and try not to eat the parts that are not good for me.

MM, you are so influential in the weight loss community and this is something that would make life easier for weight loss surgery post-ops or anyone concerned with getting rid of the carbs and keeping their weight under control.  I would love to see this happen.

 Right on.

I would love a plate of say.... roasted chicken.   And instead of the requisite mashed potatoes, let me have a HALF PLATE FULL of roasted aspargus.  

That's how I eat at home -- I don't need to be bothered by the carbs while out.  I notice that many times, if we ask for substitutions, it costs MORE to take AWAY items.... "No fries, add a salad, $1 more."  That's crazy.  I know fresh veggies cost more than frozen potatoes, rice, etc.  But still.

I went to Red Robin last weekend -- I have been sick every. single. time. I've ordered food there -- this time I got a lettuce wrapped burger with a side salad.  I tore it up and ate a burger salad, basically.  I was pleased, not sick, and relatively healthy...  But I wish more items like that were just normal items on menus.

I also don't like to be seen as the picky customer.  I've watched other post ops DO just that ... to the extreme.  It's embarrassing.

I have noticed that many restaurants charge to make the meal healthier, and I'm not a fan of it. I also don't want to be the "picky" person at the table, so I try to keep my substitutions to a minimum.

 Perkins is the place to go.  Their spinach and asparagus is wonderful.  You order a plate with two sides and those are always my two sides.  When my friends stop there for pie and coffee, I order a cup of hot tea and a side of spinach.  They think what I eat is weird, but hang out with me anyhow.  I love the spinach at Perkins.

 Personally when eating out I tend to order off the appitizer menu and take at least half home...but what I have noticed when eating out with someone else who has not had WLS, They have a more for  your money mentality.  I don't think they would choose less food for the same money, even if it is the healthier option. I have watched people eat till they hurt because they wanted to get their money worth especially at buffets. 
For those who have WLS it would be an easy choice. I just cannot physically eat that much, but for those who haven't had it, I don't think the choice would be that easy. 
I have had some resturants work with me if I wanted to eliminate something off my choice (not just substitute it for something else. I know people who will substitute say a potato for an extra serving of veggie, but for me that is still to much, I end up only eating the protien. 

For me, it doesn't matter.  I generally order only what I will eat, and share with someone else at the table.  Leftovers are brought home and devoured by my 21 year old son.

It isn't the responsibility of anyone but the person with the fork in their hand to make good choices.  I am obese (in remission) because of the choices I made:  I ate too much and moved too little, coupled with a cave woman metabolism that would clearly in a famine keep me on the planet as last woman standing because I'd "live off my fat stores" the longest!

Restaurants, fast food chains, grocery stores, advertisers and not to blame for obesity.  Each obese individual must be responsible for their own cir****tances and take the steps to fix the issue (if they so choose.....many are obese and don't care).

 True.

But, does anyone really need the huge portions... likely not.   A 1800 calorie plate of pasta doesn't do anyone any real good, we're not all carb-loading... LOL.

I just find a lot of waste + unnecessary, and wish there were healthier options for those who want them.  Even the "diet" menus can be filled with crappy options.... there's a need out there.

True.  We are each responsible for what goes into our mouths.  But, I remember a time when restaurants only offered you french fries or baked potatoes slathered in butter as your choice of sides.  I like the fact that more restaurants are offering healthier sides like broccoli, asparagus, green beans, carrots, or roasted squash/zuccinni so that I can choose to put healthy things on my fork when I am eating out with family or friends. 

I see more and more when we go out to eat where you can get a half portion of a plate.  I have also noticed more restaurants offering healthier sides and more side choices rather than just fries and baked potatoes.  It is definitely a welcome change.  My hubby and I love to go to Longhorn.  Their steamed broccoli and fresh asparagus is wonderful.  Texas Roadhouse has great broccoli and green beans.  I try and scope out all the restaurants that offer healthier sides so that I can eat out the same as I eat at home.