Portion control for weight loss
Trying to lose weight? Remember the size of the portions you eat.
Portion control for weight loss
Research has shown that people almost always eat more food when offered larger portions. So portion control is important when you're trying to lose weight and keep it off.
A portion is the amount of food you put on your plate. A serving is an exact amount of food. To better manage what you're eating, you could carry around measuring cups and spoons. Or instead, you could use everyday objects as reminders, also called cues, of correct serving sizes, as recommended by the Mayo Clinic Diet.
Many foods match up to everyday objects. For example, a medium pepper is about the size of a baseball and equals one vegetable serving. While not all foods match visual cues, this method can help you become better at gauging serving sizes and practicing portion control.
Portion control for weight loss
One fruit serving is about the size of a tennis ball. For example, a small apple equals one serving, or about 60 calories. The same is true for a medium orange.
Portion control for weight loss
One vegetable serving is about the size of a baseball. Half a cup of cooked carrots equals one serving, or about 25 calories. The same is true for a medium tomato or bell pepper.
Portion control for weight loss
One carbohydrate serving is about the size of a deck of cards. Half a cup of whole-grain cooked pasta equals one serving, or about 70 calories. If you don't eat pasta, think of a slice of whole-grain bread instead.
Portion control for weight loss
One protein serving is no bigger than a deck of cards. A piece of cooked skinless chicken (2 to 2 1/2 ounces) equals one serving, or about 110 calories. This is the same as a serving of a 3-ounce vegetarian burger.
Portion control for weight loss
One fat serving is about the size of a pair of dice. For example, 2 teaspoons of regular mayonnaise equal one fat serving, or about 45 calories. And 1 tablespoon of trans fat-free light margarine counts as a serving, as does 1 teaspoon of butter.
Portion control for weight loss
It may take practice to become a better judge of serving sizes and portions, especially as you put entire meals together. As you can see, some foods, especially vegetables and fruits, have fairly few calories in large serving sizes and portions. And the more you practice, the more control you'll have over how many calories you eat. That's key to weight loss.
Show References
- Hensrud DD, et al. Set your targets. In: The Mayo Clinic Diet. 3rd ed. Mayo Clinic Press; 2023.
- Hollands DJ, et al. Portion, package or tableware size for changing selection and consumption of food, alcohol and tobacco. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. http://www.thecochranelibrary.com. Accessed April 26, 2023.
- Grains. MyPlate. www.myplate.gov/eat-healthy/grains. Accessed April 26, 2023.
- Hensrud DD. Mayo Clinic (expert opinion). May 9, 2023.
Original article: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/weight-loss/in-depth/portion-control/art-20546800