Weight Loss Secrets from Around the World

Japanese people have a lot of slimming habits, but not all of us can (or want to) snack on seaweed, eat fish at every meal or drink copious amounts of green tea. Here's one tip anyone can steal: In Japan, every food, from the humble rice to the grilled meat to the pickles, gets its own special dish (these are different from courses because they're often all served at the same time). Separating each component of your meal will help you not only appreciate each individual taste but also consume less overall. Experiments by eating-behavior expert Brian Wansink, PhD, have shown that we tend to eat less (yet feel just as full) when we use smaller plates, and when those dishes contrast with the color of our food (which makes us perceive portions as larger than they are).