20 years ago it was easier to eat less

Larburlingame · #1 05/14/08, 11:57 AM

Now not only are the portions larger but the plates are bigger!

http://www.divinecaroline.com/articl...tion-size--now

TNHermit · #2 05/14/08, 12:01 PM

Actually it was the market responding to our own lust for self gratification and lack of self control.

willow_girl · #3 05/14/08, 12:25 PM

From the article posted above:

Quote:

It’s unlikely that we’ll see a scaling down of food to these sizes anytime soon, so perhaps we should all become familiar with another image: the doggy bag.

DH and I eat out frequently. I usually find that at the end of the meal, I can take home enough food for 2 (or more) additional meals.

unregistered29228 · #4 05/14/08, 12:36 PM

We don't eat out as much as we used to, but we've noticed how huge the portions are. We usually bring home half our meals in a styro container.

The family took me out for Mother's Day, and I swear I had a whole 1 pound box of pasta on my plate! Actually that's more than a box now, since they've reduced the number of ounces in the box from 16 to 14, and increased the prices.

MorrisonCorner · #5 05/14/08, 12:39 PM

I bought a set of china on ebay.. the set my grandmother would have handed down to me if we'd had the same taste (!) and one of the most noticeable things about it is it is shaped in such a way as to hold much smaller portions than modern china. I count that as one of its more significant charms.

Ed K · #6 05/14/08, 12:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TNHermit

Actually it was the market responding to our own lust for self gratification and lack of self control.

I'm not sure I agree with your statement. When cola came in 8 oz bottles people were free to consume 3 of them at sitting if they desired.

Now If I'm out and I want a cola I can't choose to purchase an 8oz bottle. I am then faced with the decision whether I want to lug the remaining 12 oz around with me for the rest of the day or waste it. Frankly I don't like either of those choices. Whether I waste it or drink it the manufactures are happy since they sold me almost 2 additional servings more of something than they used to when 8 oz was all I wanted.

I agree no one forces me to drink cola (and I don't drink it often) but I think the marketing logic applies with other foods as well.

TNHermit · #7 05/14/08, 01:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ed K

I'm not sure I agree with your statement. When cola came in 8 oz bottles people were free to consume 3 of them at sitting if they desired.

Now If I'm out and I want a cola I can't choose to purchase an 8oz bottle. I am then faced with the decision whether I want to lug the remaining 12 oz around with me for the rest of the day or waste it. Frankly I don't like either of those choices. Whether I waste it or drink it the manufactures are happy since they sold me almost 2 additional servings more of something than they used to when 8 oz was all I wanted.

I agree no one forces me to drink cola (and I don't drink it often) but I think the marketing logic applies with other foods as well.

Admittedly food companies are gonna push the larger stuff. Thats just business in pure form. (Ever notice how much cheaper per oz the two liter is.) Perhaps someone who didn't believe in the large portions would not do that. But they tend to go out of business. If your in business you better be getting your product out there and as much of it as you can. At least untill the day that we all decide that only a certain amount of profit should be made. And with the current attitude that may happen. But I would be willing to bet we'll regret it. Seems like we always want to limit the other guy but not ourselves.
But all those bottles come with caps. Coca Cola doesn't go bad. It does lose its fizz over time. That being said I have yet to go anywhere as i travel that there are not 8 oz bottles available. At least somewhere. And personally I carry it buy the case and have some stashed. Coca Cola is "preps" too

chickenista · #8 05/14/08, 01:16 PM

My husband eats on our big plates, but I always eat on the saucers. I don't like seeing all the empty space around the food or something.. I dunno.

Bonnie L · #9 05/14/08, 01:16 PM

That's why I use luncheon plates at home. We don't eat out except for the occasional burger at a locally owned, non-chain burger joint. Small burger, no fries, no soft drink. They started charging for water, tho.

TxCloverAngel · #10 05/14/08, 02:16 PM

thanks for sharing that!
I collect Jadite dishes... and yep.. the dinner plates made back then were 9' plates!

Alice Kramden · #11 05/14/08, 04:42 PM

No kidding. I eat hearty. It takes a lot to get me full, and I enjoy my food. Never send back anything but a clean plate, even in my own kitchen.

And no, I'm not Fat. I am over what I used to be when I was doing physical labor, but I certainly am not obese.

To walk out of a restaurant still hungry is not good, and with itsy-tiny portions it will happen.

Food is good, and I am glad I live in this country and can have anything I want and as much as I want---'cause this will change one day in the future---the Food Police will decide what you can have, when you can have it, and how much. Think how the tobacco thing has developed. The next target will be food, and someone, somewhere will be deciding your diet for you.

For the time being, just rejoice in the fact that every bite is delicious, and you can enjoy a meal and even occasional junk food, if you want it.