For one thing, we Americans are used to piling the entire meal on one plate. This is, psychologically, a recipe for failure. It's somewhat like going to the fancy New York dinner house, where the prices are high and the food portion sizes are terribly small. The visual effect of such a plate is at best, discouraging. "That's it?" Already, your stomach is growling at you, letting you know this won't cut it. You wolf down these miserably miniscule tidbits attempting to masquerade as a meal. Unsatisfied, you hit the mini-mart on the way home and fill up on chips and some cookies. This is no way to lose weight.

Those who wish to lose weight are constantly chided over food portion sizes. You are told to weigh a three or four ounce portion of meat and pretend it's satisfying. Adding insult to injury, you're supposed to like it. If you're a guy accustomed to eating that big steak, you're bound to end up feeling deprived as you view the dinner plate with this tiny piece of meat, lost amid a seemingly giant expanse of empty plate. As the centerpiece of a diet plan, this approach doesn't usually work out. If you are such an aspiring dieter, take heart. Here are some ways to creatively and satisfactorily use the food portion size to actually realize weight loss.

By the time you've consumed your dinner, you're both satisfied and relaxed. On a diet like this, you will lose weight. Play it again, Sam!

Another approach to food portion sizes works out admirably. Instead of a single-course meal, divide your meal into three or more courses. Begin with an appetizer. A dessert cup, containing an abundance of salad shrimp doused with a flavorful cocktail sauce on a bed of hearts of Romaine lettuce is an inspiring beginning. Consume this enticing dish slowly, garnished with good conversation. Take a break between bites. Enjoy this simple dish. Kick back before continuing. So far, your calorie count is minimal. Your stomach acknowledges the fine taste and substance.

Here we come to the third course, that little piece of meat. Although the food portion size is small, your mind and appetite are in the right place. That chicken breast, grilled to perfection and graced with just the right amount of creamed caper sauce, becomes a treat rather than a trial. Devour it slowly and savor all the flavor.

Now, have a bowl of soup, with a side of garlic bread. Dip the bread in your soup and appreciate your dinner partner's conversation. Yes, that's good. Your appetite is slowly being satiated, diminishing that feeling of deprivation. So far, these food portion sizes have not contributed much to weight gain, and the nutritive value is outstanding.