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A small bowl may help children eat healthier and lighter. A new study reveals that children ask for more food and eat 52 percent more when they eat from large bowls.

"The quickest way parents can help kids eat less might be to grab them a smaller bowl," \ Brian Wansink, professor of behavioral economics and the lead author said in a news release. "Make it 12 ounces rather than the 20 ounces we use. Wansink wrote the study with Koert Van Ittersum of University of Groningen and Collin Payne of New Mexico State.

The latest study involved 69 preschoolers who were randomly given 8-ounce or 16-ounce cereal bowl. Researcher then served kids cereal and milk in increments until the kids indicated that they had enough food.

The findings revealed that children with larger bowls requested 87 percent more cereal and milk - regardless of their age, gender, and Body Mass Index (BMI).

In another experiment researcher found that kids with larger bowls asked for 69 percent more cereal and milk and also ate 52 percent more.

"Bigger bowls cause kids to request nearly twice as much food, leading to increased intake as well as higher food waste," says Ven Ittersum. "Based on these findings, using smaller dishware for children may be a simple solution for caregivers who are concerned about their kids' caloric intake, "Van Ittersum said.

The findings are published in the Journal of Pediatrics.