Controlling the portions of food you eat is one of the major facets of your weight-management plan, assuming you want to drop weight and keep it off for years to come.

In restaurants, you always can ask for to-go boxes. But around your house is a different story, especially if you're also cooking for your family and just as concerned about their waistlines as you are about your own.

Have no fear, because you can use these tricks of the trade to make eating smaller portions at home much easier, especially when your refrigerator and pantry are full of food.

Karen Collins, a nationally known registered dietitian with the American Institute for Cancer Research, says you can easily experiment with some of the following ways people have used to learn how to eat more appropriate portions. Naturally, you'll have to see what works best for you.

•  Cut back on the amount of food you fix if you find there are always leftovers. You'll face less temptation in the future.

•  Put leftovers, if there are any, immediately in the refrigerator or freezer for lunches and other meals later in the week.

•  Keep serving bowls off the table so you have to get up to get any second portions. You may not want to make the extra effort and will reconsider whether you want another slab of that meatloaf or dollop of mashed potatoes.

•  Start off with portions 10 to 25 percent smaller than usual. We are often satisfied with less than we think we need, studies show. You may find you can easily take smaller portions if you use a slightly smaller plate.

•  Wait just a few minutes before deciding to go back for seconds, if you're still hungry. You may be surprised at how often that perceived need for more food passes quickly away.

•  Eat more slowly, focusing on really tasting your food. You may find you're satisfied with smaller amounts.