Use smaller plates. When you're trying to get a handle on portion sizes, your dinner can drown on those 12-inch plates. Suddenly, those healthy helpings can look smaller than ever. Trick your brain by enjoying sensible servings on a smaller platter. It will be difficult to "overdo" it when there's no room on your plate for extra helpings. Just remember going back for seconds defeats the purpose. Not only will you feel like you're getting more, but you'll also quickly get accustomed to proper portion sizes. Portion distortion isn't just a cute phrase; there's truth to the idea that we've grown accustomed to gargantuan portions on our plates. Even our plates have fallen victim. Twenty years ago, dinner plates were 10 inches in diameter.