Preschoolers naturally serve themselves age-appropriate portions but will eat more when served heaping plates. Texas researchers studied 30 children 3 to 5 years old who were served macaroni and cheese at twice the amount suitable for their age. They found that the size of the bites the kids took increased and the amount of mac and cheese they consumed jumped by 25%, boosting their total energy intake at the meal by 15%. Conducted by the Children’s Nutrition Research Center at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, the study found that when children were allowed to serve themselves, they consumed 25% less than when they had been given overly large portions. The researchers urge parents not to serve their youngsters amounts that are too large and to consider letting them set the size of their own servings. This gives them valuable early practice in portion control and dietary self-regulation.
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