Feb 12 (Heart Center Online) - Even when people eat only half of a meal served at a restaurant, they may be eating at least a full day's worth of food. According to an article published in the current issue of the Tufts University Health and Nutrition Letter, which cites the original source as a recent issue of USA Today, a single meal at a restaurant could contain 2-3 days worth of the meat group and 7-8 servings of other food groups.

Experts reveal that restaurant owners actually make more money from serving larger portions because people are more likely to come back, increasing business. In the last couple of decades, restaurants have also been serving food on increasingly larger plates to enhance the appearance of a large meal. Furthermore, fast food restaurants encourage people to pay just a little more money in order to receive significantly more food. The subtle message is that people want as much food as they can get for their money.

Many restaurants also tend to serve large quantities of food at each and every course of the meal. In addition to the all-you-can-eat loaves of bread and butter that may be on the table, people can order one meal that includes a bowl of creamy soup (filled with cream and butter), a large salad (full of cheese and high-fat, high-salt salad dressing), a high-caffeine beverage, a high-alcohol drink, the main dish (which may be fried or in a rich sauce) and side dishes (often high in butter), coffee/tea (also high in caffeine) and high-calorie, high-fat dessert. Some people choose to eat at all-you-can-eat buffets, returning for seconds, thirds or other helpings. It is not uncommon in our culture for people to lean back and announce that they are ''stuffed'' or even in pain.

The enormous serving sizes being sold at restaurants are one of many factors involved in the increasing rates of obesity among both adults and children in the United States. For more information, visit the Weight and Obesity Center.

The balance of different food groups that is recommended by experts can be found by clicking on the following: Food Guide Pyramid.

Strategies for eating healthy when eating out include the following:

Tips for choosing healthy choices from a restaurant menu

Tips for requesting special food preparation

Tips for eating the meal

Copyright 2001 Heart Center Online