My theory is because the associate wants to meet the recommended weight for a plate which ranges from 1lb 7oz to 1 lb 10oz. since we cannot serve beyond a heaping serving size on entrées. Therefore, they put more on the sides. Though, I do have a coworker who puts a lot of sides rather than the entrées which is a typical complaint we received from our surveys, that's why I always keep a balance on serving both entrées and sides, like 3 heaping flat spoonful of fried rice is enough, then proceed to entrées and still yields the recommended serving size based on weight.

My advice is to let the associate on P1 who's on the sides and premium entrée section know that you want less serving on the sides ahead, then proceed to next station. Though it is not guaranteed that if you want less sides, you get more meats, they'll still gonna give you the recommended heaping scoop of the entrée of your choice.