kdelca7470
Forum Mod
Joined: 9/30/2007
Posts: 149 |
Subject: How Much Is Too Much?
We have to be deliberate and purposeful if we want to enjoy a
healthy diet. One way to keep the calories down without too much
self-denial is portion control. Learn to "size up" your food.
Exactly how much is a "serving" of your favorite cereal? How
many cups of popcorn in a serving? Learn to check the packaging
to see what a serving really is.
The next time you reach for your favorite snack food, check
the package and measure out a single serving. You may be
surprised to find out you've been consuming not one, but
several servings at a time. Learn what controlled servings
of your favorite foods look like - and keep measuring until
you can really tell how much is too much.
Here are some tips to give your willpower a helping hand:
Order smaller portions in restaurants. Many people who have
no problem eating healthy portions at home overeat in
restaurants because the portions are so large. But many
restaurants serve half portions, or lunch-size portions at
dinner. Don't be embarrassed to ask. You'll save calories
and cash.
Don't upsize anything, especially fast food. Fast food
portions have more than doubled over the last twenty-five
years. Don't be tempted by a "bargain." Avoid package deals;
instead, order a sandwich - broiled chicken is good; hold the
mayo - and a side salad.
Order kids meals, where you can. Some restaurants will let
you order them, and you can always order them in fast food
restaurants. Kids meal portions are what used to be grown
up portions (before the mega craze began).
Buy small or single-serving quantities when possible. Don't
buy the extra large bag of pretzels; buy the single serving
size, one bag at a time.
Avoid all-you-can-eat situations. Buffets and those
"un-limited pasta on Tuesdays" meals make it difficult, if not
impossible, to practice portion control.
Quick reference: 3 ounces of meat is the size of a deck of
cards; 1 ounce of meat is the size of a matchbook; 1 cup of
potatoes, rice or pasta is the size of a tennis ball. |
| Posted: 5/21/2008 |
|
