It’s hard to avoid overeating, and it’s not your fault, as Cleveland Clinic Wellness points out. “[O]ur bodies evolved to cope more with famine than with feast,” the clinic notes. “Seeing and smelling food triggers a series of involuntary physiological changes that encourage us to eat!” That said, here are three tips to keep your tummy from getting too full:

• Be your own personal chef. Cook your own meals, with nutritious ingredients, and make restaurant outings the exception, not the rule.
• Keep your head at restaurants. When you do go out, set your sights on appetizers, salads, soups, or small plates, rather than entrées. If you do order an entrée and it’s enormous, ask for a to-go container for half of it before you begin eating.
• Slow down and savor. Eating mindfully may help you enjoy your food more—and avoid overeating. Pause and take a deep breath before you begin, and notice the colors and smells of whatever’s on your plate. Chew each bite slowly, paying attention to taste and texture. When you attend to each bite, you may find you don’t need as many of them!

And of course, the more you stick to whole foods like meats and veggies, and avoid a lot of processed carbohydrates, the better off you’ll be.