There’s a theory in the weight loss world that says four bites of whatever you’re craving will satisfy you.

I don’t know if that’s true because when I want something — a doughnut, a slice of pizza, a cheeseburger, an adorable pair of sandals — my mind is consumed with want. I put the ire in desire. The raving in craving. The EEEEEEE in need.

So I try my darndest never to get to that gloomy, useless place. I don’t deny myself much of anything. (You should see how many cute sandals I own!) I eat right most of the time so I can eat what I want at parties or restaurants. But sometimes I go overboard without even realizing it. You’re having a good time with friends and — BAM — didn’t the waitress bring us a huge piece of cheesecake a minute ago? Can’t find it anywhere. Hmmm.

I’m working on my new cookbook and have created an absolutely scrumptious recipe for Lemon Bars. But mine are Lemon Bites. I remember when I created my Cheesecake Brownies I heard lots of concern they’d be teensy, only fit for Barbie and Ken. But they’re a perfectly acceptable size. (The brownies, not Barbie and Ken.)

The Lemon Bites, on the other hand, are small, but they are full of real butter and sugar. (I know! In a low calorie cookbook!)

After I recovered from the sweet ambrosia of tasting, I remembered two things. One, the worried whining about portion size. And two, the Four Bites Theory.

So I tested it. Each of these Lemon Bites (54 calories) is two bites. (Unless you’re a teenage boy capable of hoovering up the entire pan without breaking stride.)

Part of the Four Bite Theory is that you eat mindfully. Slowly. Savor all the tastes. Pause between each bite. Sip water to make each bite taste like the first. Anticipate the next bite. Enjoy every second of the experience.

Guess what? It worked. This test, however, was fairly easy. Four bites of pizza or four bites of a cheeseburger probably won’t do it for me psychologically. I have trouble throwing out food, and that’s what would happen. I can hear Grandma scolding already.

To appease Grandma, I’ve started making more Barbie food … sliders instead of full-sized burgers … cutting a slice of pizza in half … using my mini-muffin pan for sweet treats … individual meatloaf portions. The theory becomes less tortuous.

I’m just glad beer doesn’t come in bites.

Have you ever tried the Four Bite Theory? Did it work for you? Are you more conscious of your portion sizes? Will you buy my new cookbook to get the nectar of the gods that is a Lemon Bite?