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Harvard Heart Letter

Heart Beat: Portion distortion

Heart Beat

Portion distortion

Published: November, 2006

If you are trying to lose weight, let your eyes do some of the work. The Ebbinghaus-Titchener size-contrast optical illusion might help you choose smaller portions that can nudge your weight in the right direction.

Portion distortion

In the illusion, identical circles (the white ones) look larger or smaller depending on what's around them. How can this help you eat, and be satisfied with, less food? The trick is in your kitchenware.

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Daily Health Tip

Try the tree pose

To build concentration and balance, try doing the tree pose: Stand with your feet directly under your hips, feet parallel. Lift your right foot and rest it on the inside of your left leg, under your knee. Clasp your hands together in front of your heart. Keep your gaze forward and take up to six easy breaths. Then repeat, this time standing on your right leg and lifting your left. If your balance is shaky, rest your hands on a chair in front of you.

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Heart Beat: Portion distortion

Heart Beat

Portion distortion

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