Lighten up meals — and eat less

Studies show that dimmed lights at meals can also make you eat more. In restaurants with soft lighting, for example, consumers tend to stay longer and maybe enjoy an unplanned dessert or an extra drink.

Low lighting can also make you feel less inhibited and self-conscious; you’re more apt to eat more, especially when you’re with others.

You can’t control a restaurant’s lighting level, but you can have a skim latte as dessert. At home, keep the lights bright at meals and reserve candlelight dinners for special occasions.