Researchers report that pre-portioned meal plans, which include frozen entrees, may help overweight individuals stick to a diet and lose more weight than they would by following a conventional diet.

        One of the likely reasons people find it easier to follow the pre-portioned meal plan is that it provides the structure and appropriate portion control necessary to remain compliant.

        Studies show that the greater the variety of food in a given meal, the greater the calorie intake. On the other hand, as the variety of food choices decreases, the lower the caloric intake.

        People eat less when they have fewer food choices because satiety is sensory-specific. When a person eats the same foods all the time, she/he becomes less overstimulated (hungry) and is more easily satiated by those foods. Similarly, foods that are highly attractive tend to be eaten in greater amounts.

        Pre-portioned meals are used widely in weight loss programs because they not only provide controlled portions, but it is easier to determine the exact number of calories consumed.

        In addition to using pre-portioned meals, dieters will find daily food records or diaries very helpful tools to readjust perception and reality concerning calories, portions, and food choices over time.

        Healthy Eating is provided by staff members at Jewish Hospital Weight Management Center (www.morethanadiet.com), Evendale.

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