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According to new research, it could benefit society greatly if people were to control their portions the way they did in the '50s. Modern diets often include huge amounts of refined sugar and simple carbohydrates, which can lead to obesity in the long run.
'Reducing portion sizes across the whole diet to realise large reductions in consumption'
Portion sizes are also constantly on the rise, with many of us eating more than ever. Not only are retailers packing more into their products - we're also loading up our plates at home and polishing meals off with no problem as we become accustomed to bigger portions.
Health scientists at Cambridge and Oxford Universities believe going back to the '50s in terms of how we eat is the answer.
"Reducing portion sizes across the whole diet to realise large reductions in consumption may mean reverting to sizes of portions and tableware similar to those in the 1950s," they claim in the British Medical Journal.
In their study they revealed a list of supermarket products that have become bigger in the past 20 years. Among them are pies, muffins, bagels and pizzas - all not healthy options to begin with.
The scientists concluded that every person should aim to cut 159 calories from their daily intake. They also believe restaurants, bars and supermarkets should exercise portion control to help people lose weight and manage their eating habits.
The advice comes in the wake of a study that showed British women's bust sizes have increased dramatically since the '50s. Back then the average cup size was B, but now it's a buxom DD. Brits also outrank the US, which has an average cup size of C.
It's partially down to the fact women are generally bigger than before, with average UK dress size now 16. However, the kinds of foods we eat are also to blame, with the hormones in cow's milk believed to be a factor.
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