How to Manage Food Portions

Most people want to eat a healthy and balanced diet but might not know how. If you want to maximize your nutrition and minimize your waist size, you should start by managing the size of your portions. By using the palm of your hand as a guide, you'll be able to manage your food portions so you feel both satisfied and healthy.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Measure a serving of protein (meat, fish, tofu) by using the palm of your hand as a guide. The piece of protein should be about the size of your palm.
2. Judge your other portions based on the size of your protein portion. Fruits and vegetable servings can be about the same size as the protein serving, about the size of your palm. Carbohydrate servings should be one third the size of your protein, so for two servings, you'll want the size of your carbohydrate to be just smaller than the size of your protein portion. If eating whole grain or wheat carbohydrates, the serving size can be slightly larger.
3. Make adjustments if you're still hungry by adding variety. Add a salad, more fruit or vegetables or a serving of dairy to balance the meal.
4. Use your best judgment if you're having dessert. Try to have half a normal portion if weight control is a concern, or substitute fruit instead of traditional sweets.