U.S. astronaut Leroy Chiao confirmed in a news conference the previous crew ate food meant for Chiao and his Russian crewmate, Salizhan Sharipov.

As a result, the pair were asked in November to scale back on meals and make up for it with candy and snack food, of which the previous pair had left plenty.

"Both of us ended up losing a few pounds, but that's something I guess we can't really complain about," Chiao said.

The shortage began months back when U.S. astronaut Michael Fincke and Russian Gennady Padalka told controllers they found their rations monotonous. They were given permission to use supplies from their successors' stash, but apparently didn't accurately report the amount they ate, USA Today reported.

The problem was solved Christmas Day when the Russian-made Progress transport vessel arrived and docked with fresh supplies.