Portion Control

Size matters.

Compared to years past, people are eating larger portions. The super-sizing of foods is one reason people’s waistlines and body weights are super-sizing , too.

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Image of large muffin served today.

Today:

4 ounce muffin

500 Calories

Image of a small muffin size from 20 years ago.

20 years ago:

1.5 ounce muffin

210 calories

Get the facts

One portion of a food or beverage is often more than one standard serving. Get standard serving sizes from www.choosemyplate.gov. Just because soda comes in a 20-ounce size doesn’t mean it counts as one serving. (It’s actually 2½ servings.) Read the Nutrition Facts section on food labels. It lists serving size, number of servings, calories per serving, and other nutrition-related information.

Eating in verses eating out

It is easier to control portions when you eat at home, but you can stay on course when you eat out if you share a meal and avoid special value meals that offer larger portions for just a few cents more. Wherever you eat a meal, take your time. Your brain needs about 20 minutes to get a signal from your stomach that you are full.

Use simple measuring tools for serving sizes:

1 cup = 2 hands cupped or 1 clenched fist

 

½ cup = Computer mouse or 1 hand cupped

 

2-3 oz. =  Deck of cards

 

1 oz. = Size of 1 domino

 

1 Tbsp. = Volume of 1 thumb

 

1 teaspoon = 1 die or tip of 1 thumb

Action Step

Eat meals at regular intervals to avoid the urge to snack. Buy single-serving snacks or make them on your own. Avoid distractions, such as TV when you eat.

This website is not meant to substitute for expert medical advice or treatment. Follow your doctor’s or health care provider’s advice if it differs from what is given in this guide.

 

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