If you’re wondering where those extra 10 pounds came from, here are some likely culprits you probably hadn’t considered! We got these from the researchers at Condé Nast Publications.

• Your mammoth silverware! Using bigger utensils – which has become trendy – can make you eat bigger portions. According to food researcher Dr. James Painter, people who eat with smaller forks and spoons tend to feel more satisfied after one serving than those who use bigger tools.
• Culprit #2: A neat, tidy table. Leave all empty dishes ON the table until clean up time. Studies show that people eat 27% MORE food when their dishes are cleared, because they don’t have that visual scorecard of how much they’ve eaten. When the empty dishes stay on the table, you’re less likely to keep eating.
• Something else that’ll help you pack on the pounds: A big menu. Gregg Rapp, a menu engineer and restaurant consultant, says menus with two or more panels take longer to read – and the longer you look at the choices, the more food you’re likely to order, and EAT. So – pick an entrée and put down the menu.               
• Then there’s the dessert tray. The fact is, if you see food, you’ll want to eat it. So try to avoid even LOOKING at the dessert choices. Ask yourself the crucial question – “Am I actually still hungry?” Chances are – you aren’t.
• Multi-packs or “bulk” food. Sure, you want to save money, but the fact remains - the more you see, the more you’ll eat. One study found that people eat 22% more in the same amount of time when food is purchased in larger packages. So, stick to single serving containers if you want to stop yourself from over-eating.