WEST PALM BEACH, FLORIDA (AHN) -- Dieters take note. The color of your plate may affect how much you eat.

New research published in the December issue of the Journal of Consumer Research suggests that its not just size of your plate, but also the color, when it comes to how much you eat.

Experts have known for years that color has an impact when it comes to food consumption. Fast food chains have long been cashing in on this phenomenon. They rely heavily on bold colors such as red, orange and bright yellow in their advertising, packaging and decor. These color cue you to eat more.

The newest study shows another relationship between food and color. Among the findings are that people tend to eat more when there is less contrast between the color of food and the color of the plate it is served on.

For instance, when pasta with a red sauce is served on a red plate a person tends to eat more, as it is difficult to see exactly how much food is on the plate, and how much has already been consumed.

The best plate color choice is blue, experts say (not much blue food around). The second best is white.

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