Do you remember how much you eat while watching a movie, waiting for a YouTube video to load, or even while reviewing for an exam? Generally, you probably don't. Snacking while distracted makes you eat more without you noticing, but a new study featured on MedicalNewsToday.com reveals that taking smaller bites may help curb this problem.

Researchers from the Wageningen University in the Netherlands asked volunteers to sit through a 15-minute animated film while nursing a bowl of soup. One group was asked to take small sips, another, large sips, while members of the last group were allowed to take both large and small sips. The participants could consume as much soup as they wanted, provided that they stayed within the trial’s parameters.

The results showed that those who were initially asked to take small soup sips consumed 30 percent less than those in the other two groups.

Although this doesn’t come as a surprise, it does tell you that it is possible to control your eating even if your focus is elsewhere. So the next time you sit down for a movie marathon, make sure you take small bites only. This way, you can enjoy your movie and your meal without having to worry about gaining too much weight.

(Photo by Janine via Flickr Creative Commons)