Once upon a time, there was this thing called “self-restraint.”

Oh, we know it sounds outlandish. But really. People ate reasonable amounts and didn’t complain when served something smaller than their own heads.

Those wanting to recapture the glorious joys of portion control can now do so without having to exercise any real judgment. Mesu bowls are lovely porcelain dishes made to hold specific volumes, from half a cup to two. Each bowl is decorated with a pretty yet functional pastel graphic — a circle stands for a cup, a segment of a circle is a fraction thereof — indicating which amount it can accommodate.

So now, instead of measuring your portions before serving them, you can do so as you serve. Mesu bowls are sold individually, but we suspect you’ll want to buy at least one of the nesting sets of six.

We know, we know … you just can’t help yourself.

Available online at studiopanepinto.com.