How to Size Up Portions of Food

Mindless eating or overeating is a major contributor to obesity. Many times we will grab a handful of something without considering the actual portion size. Learning to control portion sizes can be a very important part of controlling weight and achieving a healthy diet. Read on to learn how to size up portions of food.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Deck of playing cards
• Tennis ball
• 4 dice
• Your hand

How to Size Up Portions of Food

1. Compare meat to a deck of playing cards. As a general rule, 3 oz. is about the same thickness and size.

2. Measure nuts or small candies with your palm. Pour items into palm only. Know that 1 oz. equals a palm full.

3. Compare butter or peanut butter to the tip of your thumb. Know that 1 tsp. is about the same size.

4. Size up broccoli or mashed potatoes by using your fist. Understand that 1 cup is about the size of your fist.

5. Gauge amounts of ice cream by comparing it to a tennis ball. A 1/2 cup compares to its size.

6. Size up cheese by stacking four dice to make a square. Know that 1 oz. of cheese is about the same size.

7. Compare an apple or peach to a tennis ball. A medium apple is about that size.

Tips & Warnings

• Always take out a small portion of food rather than eating straight from a container.

Resources

• Portion Control Secrets

[lighthouse1958]

on 9/14/2009 Very good ways to size up portions of food. 5*

[edieness]

on 5/6/2009 Good tips on food sizing. Nice work. 5*

[juliemcmurchie]

on 3/9/2009 I've heard some of these before. It's much easier than pulling out a scale to measure portions.

[bmi57]

on 1/3/2008 Never heard of this, very interesting and good to know. Thakns.