When I first started seriously eating healthy and watching my calories I measured everything. What ever it was I made sure I was eating the right portion so I could accurately track my calories. After awhile I was able to look at a portion and tell if it was the right amount or not, because I knew what the ‘right’ amount looked like. I always suggest people measure things before they eat so you KNOW you are getting the right portion.
First off, your plate should be half veggies, one quarter protein and one quarter starch. Here are some ways to tell if you are eating the right portions.
- Meat is about the size of a deck of cards, or the palm of your hand.
- Cereal, a cup of yogurt, or a medium sized fruit is the size of a baseball.
- Cheese is about the size of your thumb.
- Pasta is the size of a tennis ball.
- Salad is about the size of your fist.
- Two tablespoons of peanut butter or salad dressing is about the size of a golf ball.
- A baked potato is about the size of your computer mouse.
- Bread is about the size of an index card.
Our plates are getting bigger and bigger, that doesn’t mean your portions have to be!
You can find a great printable with even more info to have on hand Here.
I completely agree that portions have gotten out of control! We really need to stop and actually think about HOW MUCH we eat. When I started weighing my food and using measuring cups – I was astounded!
I know my plate is way too big. We on purpose bought new plate settings for our family last Fall that had smaller plates just because of this very thing. It’s really hard to do portion control sometimes when stuff just tastes so good
I know I am over eating. It’s no accident. I need to stop the madness!