Dinner plate comparison sizes over the years
Since the 1960s, dinner plates have gotten way bigger — and so have our portions. This powerful image shows how many more calories we eat now.
Beautiful example of Parkinson's law:
In 1960's, average dinner plate was 8.5 inches, or ~800 calories of food.
Today its over 12 inches, 1900 cals of food.
A trick for losing weight (or getting fat): make your plate smaller.
Humans fill the amount of space we're given.
Image Description
The image shows a comparison of dinner plate sizes from different decades, highlighting the increase in both plate size and calorie capacity. Each plate is labeled with its size, the era it represents, and the approximate calories it holds.
Positive Aspects
This image provides a clear visual representation of how dinner plate sizes have increased over the decades. It effectively illustrates the concept of Parkinson's Law in the context of food consumption — as plates get larger, so do portion sizes and calorie intake. This visual aid enhances understanding and drives the message home powerfully.
Key Takeaways
- Dinner plates have increased from an average of 8.5 inches in the 1960s to over 12 inches today.
- The calorie capacity of plates has more than doubled, from around 800 calories to 1900 calories.
- Smaller plates can be a simple trick to control portion sizes and manage weight.
- The concept of Parkinson's Law applies to food: we tend to fill the space we have.
Additional Insights
If you're trying to watch your weight, consider using smaller plates. It's a simple psychological trick that aligns with the idea that humans tend to fill available space. Plus, it's a fun way to test the theory at your next dinner party — just don’t tell your guests beforehand!
