[chiefalchemist]

An abundance of food and a willingness to take more than you need if the cause. "Clean plate" would not be an issue if there wasn't too much already on the plate.

Furthermore, what's on the plate matters as well. Three fried pieces of chicken and mashed potatoes with gravy is not the same as broiled chicken with steamed vegetables.

I suspect - based on anecdotal evidence - people who often over eat also too often eat badly.