Eating healthy portion sizes can be tough.
Many of us overeat. This habit, however, is a hazard to your health as well as your budget.
If you make a nice home-cooked meal of 5 servings and eat 3 servings instead of just 1, you’re likely overeating and overspending on groceries.
In America, we are often encouraged to overeat by advertising and marketing. “Bigger is better,” they say. “Why buy the small soda when you can get a large for 25 cents more?” they push. This mentality is becoming more widespread in nations across the world.
The fact is, bigger isn’t always better. Those extra cents and dollars add up. Whether its your health or your wallet, the cost will add up.
Of course, we all have specific dietary needs. Talk to your medical provider about healthy dietary habits and portion sizes that are most appropriate for you.
Here are a few tips for controlling your portion sizes:
- Order small sizes and portions of food at restaurants, especially fast food restaurants. A small hamburger is just as tasty as a giant one.
- If the food only comes in one size, consider how much of it is really one serving. Bagels and muffins in America, for example, have increased in size over the years. Many of them are often 2 or 3 servings! Eat your fill and save the other half for later.
- If you go out to eat, box up half of your meal to eat for lunch the next day. Leftovers make great lunches.
- Try measuring out a few items of your favorite foods: you may be surprised at what an actual tablespoon of peanut butter or a serving of chips really looks like.
- Check out this portion sizing chart from Culture Connoisseur to see if your idea of a portion measures up
- Recognize when you feel satisfied, rather than feeling “stuffed.” Many people think being “full” means eating to the point of discomfort. Your belly shouldn’t hurt because you have eaten so much.
- Remember that controlling your portions doesn’t mean limiting the pleasure of eating: food is a pleasure. Try eating small portions of lots of foods. Have a piece of dark chocolate rather than a whole bar, a slice of cheese rather than half the block, or 1 glass of wine rather than half the bottle. You’ll save yourself some money and be able to enjoy the food or drink the next day.
Leave your thoughts on healthy portion sizes below.
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