この教材で英語力アップ！語彙から始めて、理解チェックやまとめ、ディスカッションに挑戦してみましょう。
Vocabulary
Petite portions– Small-sized servings of food
Many people prefer petite portions to avoid overeating.
Affordable– Not too expensive; reasonably priced
The restaurant offers affordable meals for students.
Appetite– A person’s want to eat
He lost his appetite after taking the medication.
Leftovers– Food that remains after a meal
We saved the leftovers for lunch the next day.
Trend– A general direction in which something is developing
Eating healthy food is a popular trend.
Article
Less Is More: The Rise of Smaller Meals
A new restaurant trend is growing, smaller portions at lower prices. Restaurants like Olive Garden and The Cheesecake Factory are introducing special menus with lighter meals.
These menus are not just for children. Many adults now prefer petite portions because they want to save money, eat healthier, or avoid wasting food. According to food expert Maeve Webster, people are changing how they think about food and value.
Some restaurants created these menus after customers asked for them. For example, a restaurant in Indiana introduced “Mini Meals,” and they quickly became popular. Older customers especially appreciated the smaller and more affordable options.
Another reason for this trend is the rise of GLP-1 medications, such as Ozempic and Wegovy. People using these drugs often have smaller appetites and need meals that are nutrient-dense—high in protein and fiber but lower in calories.
Restaurants are also responding to concerns about food waste. Large portions often lead to leftovers that people do not eat. Smaller meals help reduce this problem while still satisfying customers.
This trend is not completely new. In the past, small dishes like tapas were popular. However, experts believe this shift toward smaller portions may last longer because it meets many different needs.
Overall, restaurants are learning that “more food” does not always mean “better value.” For many customers today, balance, health, and affordability are more important.
Source: Associated Press
Comprehension Questions
Answer the questions following the article in English.
- Why are restaurants introducing smaller portion menus?
- How do GLP-1 medications influence eating habits?
- Why do smaller portions help reduce food waste?
- Which groups of people benefit most from these menus?
Summary
In your own words, attempt to summarise the article in 4 sentences or less.
Discussion
Discuss these topics with your tutor, and support your answers with examples or experience.
- Do you prefer large portions or smaller portions when eating out? Why?
- Do you think restaurants in Japan should offer more small-portion menus?
- How can reducing food waste improve society?
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