Some of you may have been raised (like me) adhering to the commands of well-intentioned parents who came from humble upbringing and refuse to see food go to waste. You’ve endured the regular meal-time reminders, ordering you to “clean your plate!”

Perhaps they added more guilt with statements about how little food they had, how meats were stretched, and (the topper) how about those starving kids in Africa?

Well, times have changed and most of us are no longer in a state of food or calorie deprevation, by any means. In fact, it’s quite the contrary. Rather, we are served meals on platters large enough to feed a family of four, we patronize eateries which offer super-sized servings, and a great majority of society is well over their healthy weight.

So if you have uttered these words…STOP! If you’ve had these thoughts race through your mind as you’ve come to the end of your meal…STOP! Don’t allow the old adage to guide you down a path you are better off avoiding.

Instead, use your knowledge of what’s an appropriate serving; use your will and ability to self-manage consumption; use your common sense judgment that tells you, “That’s enough!”

Avoid thoughts, habits, rituals and even people that lead you to over-consumption and poor dietary control. There are different ways to “clean your plate.” It doesn’t have to mean eat everything on it right now! I often eat only half of my plate and wrap up the rest for another meal. Not only is this cost-effective, it helps me to control my intake and saves me the effort of planning one more meal.

Eat wisely.