Is Clean Plate Syndrome Stopping Your Weight Loss Success?

Have you heard of clean plate syndrome? Well, it’s something that you should definitely know about if you are trying to lose weight because it is something that could be stopping your success. Continue reading to learn all about it.

What Is Clean Plate Syndrome?

If you feel the need to clean your plate every time you eat, and you compulsively eat the last piece of food that is left behind just so that there aren’t any leftovers or food thrown away, you might be showing signs of this syndrome. Different people will have different reasons for cleaning their plate, but no matter what your reasoning is, you might find it a lot harder to achieve your weight loss goals because of this syndrome.

It’s Okay to Leave Food Behind, Even If It’s a Little Bit

According to WebMD, researchers have found that clean plate syndrome tends to kick in more when there is only a little bit of food left on a plate. So, for example, if there is one cookie left on the dessert platter, you might feel more inclined to consume it than if there were still a lot of cookies left. Interesting, right?
Part of the problem is that people who have this syndrome might tell themselves that just a little bit more food won’t do any harm. That certainly isn’t true, of course, especially if you have already eaten a full portion of food. And, the worst part is that this tends to happen when you’re dealing with foods that are high in salt, sugar, and fat, rather than foods that are natural and good for you.

What Can You Do About Clean Plate Syndrome?

To combat this syndrome, it’s important to tell yourself that it is perfectly fine to throw out some food, or just store it for later. Tell yourself that you don’t have to eat everything at one sitting. You can also ask yourself why you feel compelled to eat that last piece of food, as doing so will help you pinpoint your own individual need to clean the plate.
You can also slow down when you’re eating so that you give your body a chance to register the fact that you are full and satisfied. If you eat too quickly, you might not notice that you are full until you have already eaten too much.
The bottom line is this: gaining control over clean plate syndrome is an important step if you are trying to eat better and lose weight.
 

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