Final answer:
Overeating happens when a larger amount of food is consumed than usual in a certain period, and can be prevented by eating smaller, more frequent meals. It's also important to estimate portion size correctly and opt for nutrient-dense foods to maintain a balanced diet while considering the increased standard portion sizes and more sedentary lifestyles.
Step-by-step explanation:
Eating, in a discrete period of time (e.g., within any 2-hour period) an amount of food that is definitely larger than most people would eat during a similar period of time and under similar circumstances can lead to overeating. To maintain a healthy diet and avoid the temptation to overeat, consider incorporating an everyday connection to your meals by eating small meals at frequent intervals throughout the day rather than a few large meals. This can help you eat until you are satisfied, not until you are 'stuffed.' Furthermore, be aware of estimating portion size accurately to avoid the common pitfall where your eyes are bigger than your stomach, leading to disproportionate serving sizes.
Moreover, understanding that the body does not function equally well at different levels of fullness helps in being mindful about food consumption. When we consider historical eating patterns, humans have adapted to eating a balanced amount of food rather than indulging in excessive amounts that our body cannot utilize effectively. With the increase in portion sizes and sedentary lifestyles, it has become essential to focus on consuming nutrient-dense foods to allow for a discretionary calorie allowance without overconsumption.