An interesting piece of research appeared yesterday, suggesting that the size of food portions have grown dramatically over the past millennium.
Having studied 52 famous biblical paintings of the Last Supper scene, researchers have found that the bread and plates put before Jesus have progressively grown in size – by up to two thirds. This apparently suggests that a culture of serving bigger portions on larger plates has developed over the past 600 years.
The rising levels of obesity in the UK are, among other factors, sometimes attributed to increasingly ‘supersized’ portions. This research suggests that our perception of what constitutes a ‘normal-sized’ meal may have changed over a very long period of time – in part, probably due to the increased availability and abundance of food.
A balanced diet together with regular activity is the key ingredient to maintaining a healthy weight. We at the Food Standards Agency believe that manufacturers, retailers and caterers should endeavour to offer their customers a choice of portion sizes wherever possible but ultimately it’s up to people themselves to decide whether or not they choose a smaller and/or healthier option.
There’s a Dan Brownite feel to all this and as I read the paper I was again struck by our constant fascination with the way artists have depicted this dramatic New Testament scene. Why do we keep coming back to it?
