2007-09-26 01:09:05 · 18 answers · asked by Orange County is great! 2 in Dining Out ➔ United States ➔ Other - US Dining Out
I went to a place called Olive Garden. I ordered a pasta dish. And I thought it was 2-3 people.
2007-09-26 01:13:55 · update #1
b.c many americans are fat
2007-09-26 01:11:21 · answer #1 · answered by Soccerkid 3 · 2⤊ 2⤋
Unfortunately we have a major obesity problem here in the U.S.. Because of this, restaurants are catering to the masses who are looking for the largest portions. This is a major concern, because most dinners are actually enough for 2 or 3 portions. People order a dinner and think that they should eat the whole plate when as human being we were never me meant to consume these mass amounts of food in one setting. You said you went to Olive Garden for pasta. Did you know that they also run a promotion called the never ending pasta bowl at times? You can actually have as many bowls of their pasta as you can eat. It's sad really. Sometimes when I go out to eat, I ask for a to-go container with my meal. When I am served my meal, I will leave what I consider to be a one portion on the plate, and put the rest in the box so that I don't overeat. Many places don't even let you order half portions anymore. At least some restaurants like Applebees are catering to those more health conscious by offering weight watcher meals even including desserts that are lower in calories or fat.
2007-09-26 19:10:56 · answer #2 · answered by holliebear 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
While portion size is often is cited as one of the leading causes of obesity, I don't think restaurants over do the portions because they want to make people fat.
I think portion sizes are so huge because there is this kind of "value" mindset in middle america. People want more bang for their buck and instead of giving their customers quality food, many restaurants have focused on giving them quantity. You'll see this a lot at many of national chains like Applebees, Olive Garden, TIGFridays, etc. It's a shame really because all you get is a lot crap on the plate; none of it tastes all that good, but you sure do get a lot.
2007-09-26 09:46:51 · answer #3 · answered by Christina 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Because we are determined to maintain our current status as the country with the largest percentage of obese citizens. Large portions in Italian restaurants are the just the beginning. When you go to McDonald's fast food hamburger restaurant you will be given the option to "super-size" everything.
In the 60's and 70's the standard meal at McDonald's for an adult was what is now referred to as "The Happy Meal" for children. It was a hamburger or cheeseburger, small french fries in a paper envelope, and a kid sized drink. We are feeding our children what used to be adult portions and feeding ourselves mega whopper super sized big gulp portions and wondering why we are obese and so are our children.
My suggestion to you is to request half-portions or "lunch sized portions" in any restaurant who will do that. Either that or get used to taking half your meal home in a box. Don't change your eating style because you've changed your location. Eating American style is unhealthy and a deathtrap.
It's sad really. We eat a lot and we eat it fast and we binge drink our wine. I much prefer the European way of dining which is small portions, lots of variety, sitting and relaxing over a meal, a glass of wine with lunch and one with dinner. (I also like one glass while I'm cooking) :)
Welcome to the USA... and maintain your own personal dietary standards if you want to remain healthy!
Best to you...
2007-09-26 08:39:24 · answer #4 · answered by thegirlwholovedbrains 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Because we like to take some home in a box and have leftovers the next day. More value from the price of the meal.
2007-09-26 11:19:05 · answer #5 · answered by Doodles 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Restaurants that serve big portions stay in business. We like to think we're getting a good value.
2007-09-26 09:02:48 · answer #6 · answered by b.v.guy 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
So they can charge you more.
Some restaurants are providing smaller portions on request - some have Senior Citizen menus which feature smaller portions. And some I know ask for children's menus, to get smaller portions
And people wonder why Americans are so fat...
2007-09-26 08:12:08 · answer #7 · answered by Uncle John 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well i'm sorry to say this but Americans are the fatest population. So we have huge portion sizes. So yeah. Just eat half of what they give you.
2007-09-26 08:12:51 · answer #8 · answered by smithkids317 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Bc of obesity in this country! Since we get larger portions here, I recommend you take your time in eating, slowly! It'll get you fuller quicker as it allows about 20 min for your brain to register that your stomach is full.
2007-09-26 11:42:23 · answer #9 · answered by Cassy B 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It's a good question...lots of places offer it as a "value"...I usually just eat part of it and bring the rest home as leftovers.
2007-09-26 08:18:11 · answer #10 · answered by lma0814 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Because us Americans eat way to much! I usually ask them to box half my meal for me before they bring it to the table.
2007-09-27 06:28:46 · answer #11 · answered by Dez 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋