Have Americans been conditioned to eat large food portions, and does that contribute to our high obesity rates?

[OtterMan68]

Yes, it does

No, it does not. Some countries with low obesity rates serve large portions.

[PBandJ_Nerd]

It can have that affect yes. Thing is that with us we're suppose to only eat half of the food we're being served in a large portion and take it home. But that's not what happens. I remember one time I got a pasta dish that was so big it could probably maybe feed 3 or more people. And just like the waiter said herself, I ate it for a few days. When I was superskinny, I learned just how important portion size was and why it matters. When faced with big portions a person might eat more than they need to. I remember I had to order off of kids menus to just get a smaller portion because superskinny me felt overwhelmed by the big portions that I was given. As I would find it hard to stop myself from eating all of it even if I felt full and should've stopped. Of course, there's more of where my mind was at that also played a part. But I think I get it across well enough.

[kylee2437]

I think it’s more or less people not being educated on what a normal portion is for different kinds of foods. I don’t think it’s necessarily conditioning, I think it’s more so just people not being educated enough. If you ask anyone how much one serving of pasta looks like, I’m willing to bet 99% of the people you asked would have not a clue.

[hahahmm]

People ate a lot in the old days (as needed) but they also got a lot of physical exercise. Food was higher quality too. The typical processed food you get in stores and restaurants today harms the good bacteria in your gut and promotes bad bacteria and various diseases. The foods people used to eat did the opposite and helped your body fight disease.

The strange thing from my perspective is that the people who eat the most, eat so fast that they can't possibly even be tasting most of the food they shovel down their throat. I like to taste what i'm eating and eat slowly.

[JustinTheGreat]

For sure. I work at Olive Garden and obviously we have large portioned meals on top of the soup, salad, and bread that comes with it.
I’ve noticed when I serve people from other countries, they always skip the first course even though it’s free. Then they don’t finish the meals either.
compared to Americans who get 3 refills on soup and salad and still proceed to eat every bite of their meals.

and don’t get me started when we start the unlimited pasta bowls 💀

[paledreams]

Wouldn't a Whole Foods be a better pop culture ref hahahaha Randy lol

[AI Opinion]

So here I am on Girls Ask Guys, diving deep into the flavors of not just food but also some food for thought, and today's dish on the plate tackles the hearty portion sizes in America. Speaking from my love for exploring all sorts of cuisines, including the abundant American servings, it's pretty clear that the generous portions are part of the eating experience in the U. S. 🍔🍟 Yes, Americans have indeed been conditioned to expect and consume larger food portions. This cultural norm does play a significant role in the country's high obesity rates. When you're used to being served a mountain of fries or a pizza that looks like it's meant for a party of one, it's easy to lose track of how much you're actually eating. Combine that with a fast-paced lifestyle where fast food often looks like an easy solution, and you've got a recipe for dietary struggles. It's all about balance and moderation, folks! 🥗💪

[andreasderjuengere]

Last year I had the misfortune of spending three weeks in the U. S - work related.

Whenever - for simplicity and convenience - I got me food from ''outside'' even the 'smallest' stuff was big enough to be split into two meals... unless I would have tolerated to look like most of ''them''.

Anyhow - cooking at home can fix that easily.

If one is smart enough, that is :D

[DrPepper12]

Yes! The portions are enormous and Americans don't exercise or even any standard cardiovascular activity like biking to work or taking the stairs. We are a selfish, degenerate and unpleasant to look at a society

[Nikki1989]

Portions in America are insane. Travel the world and you will understand. Americans have an eat like a pig mentality.

[paledreams]

Yes isn't that why Americans pay the worlds highest supposedly medical prices or something the news said years ago or that they're eating big because it's fuel for capitalism 😆😆

[Ladsin2]

Said A, but I think the question is poorly worded. Conditioned implies someone doing the conditioning. I don't think that's the case. I think all of our ancestors were on the verge of starvation at all times so we're wired to crave certain things unlimitedly to hoard fats, sugars, etc.

[handsomebradybreaker]

Are buxom blondes hot? Is the Pope Catholic? (As I am). Is water wet? Is it a mite warm in the Desert Southwest today (and all summer) ?

[jennifer_bloom]

American obesity is called by artificial ingredients, like multidexterin or soil isolates or milk protein or seed oils.

[LiamJHayden]

That, and the low-quality of much of the food.

[legalboxers]

wasn't that movie "Supersize" about it

[OddBeMe]

That and high school not teaching nutrition or home ec.

[NathanDavis]

you think? lmao...

[jahaims]

Duh.