Here’s a shock: people who pour their own wine often tend to
pour themselves more than they think they did.
In another great study from Brian Wansink, who has done more
than anyone to figured out why we eat what we eat, and why we drink what we
drink, the research indicated that lots of people tend to pour more wine than
they think they poured – and probably more than they want to think they’re
taking in – when they use wide glasses rather than tall glasses (it’s
apparently easier to gauge volume when it’s presented in a vertical fashion),
and when they drink white wine rather than red (red wine looks bigger?).
As well, they pour themselves more when they’re holding the
glass as compared to when the glass is on the table.
So if you want to stick to moderate alcohol intake, Wansink
says to stick to narrow and taller glasses, and make sure the glass is not in
your hand when you’re pouring.
Better yet: use my tactic if you want to moderate your
intake.
Just have your wife pour your portion.
Trust me, you’ll never get over “moderate” intake that way.
