Make sure your plate is the right colour.
Make sure your plate is the right colour.
Listen up if you’re trying to eat healthier and do portion control – turns out, the colour of your plate is just as important as what’s on it.
Roses are red, violets are blue. Did you know the colour of your plate affects how much you eat too? In a study conducted by marketing professors Koert Van Ittersum and Brian Wansink, it was revealed that the higher the contrast between the colour of the food and the colour of the plate, the less you’ll end up eating. To test out this theory, the professors conducted an experiment at a party where Alfredo pasta (white) and tomato pasta (red) were served. Attendees were given either red or white plates, and those who picked the white-on-white or red-on-red option helped themselves to a whopping 30 percent more food compared to those who picked a plate that contrasted with the colour of their food. But that’s not all. Eating off red plates might help to control your appetite as well. A study published in food research journal Appetite saw 240 participants served snacks like popcorn and chocolate chips on either red, white, or blue plates. As it turns out, those who ate off red plates consumed the least amount of snacks. One theory is that red is often the colour used for warning signs, so we associate that colour with danger, which subconsciously makes us want to eat less off a red plate. So, if you’re trying to shed some kilos, maybe it’s time to plan a trip to IKEA soon?
