6 Ways to Avoid Portion Size Pitfalls
Research shows that people unintentionally consume more calories when faced with larger portions. This can mean significant excess calorie intake, especially when eating high-calorie foods. Here are some tips to help you avoid common portion-size pitfalls.
Tip #1: When Eating Out, Split an Entrée
Many restaurants serve more food than one person needs at one meal. Take control of the amount of food that ends up on your plate by splitting an entrée with a friend. Or, ask the wait person for a "to-go" box and wrap up half your meal as soon as it's brought to the table.
Tip #2: When Eating In, Keep Excess Food Out of Reach
To minimize the temptation of second and third helpings when eating at home, serve the food on individual plates, instead of putting the serving dishes on the table. Keeping the excess food out of reach may discourage overeating.
Tip #3: Don't Eat Straight From the Package
When eating or snacking in front of the TV, put the amount that you plan to eat into a bowl or container instead of eating straight from the package. It's easy to overeat when your attention is focused on something else.
Tip #4: Grab Healthy Snacks in Between Meals
We learned as children not to snack before a meal for fear of "spoiling our dinner." Well, it's time to forget that old rule. If you feel hungry between meals, eat a healthy snack, like a piece of fruit or small salad, to avoid overeating during your next meal.
Tip #5: Pre-Portion Food that Comes in Large Quantities
For some reason, the larger the package, the more people consume without realizing it. To minimize this effect:
- Divide up the contents of one large package into several smaller containers to help avoid over-consumption.
- Don't eat straight from the package. Instead, serve the food in a small bowl or container.
Tip #6: Keep Unhealthy Foods Out of Sight, Out of Mind
People tend to consume more when they have easy access to food. Make your home a "portion friendly zone."
- Replace the candy dish with a fruit bowl.
- Store especially tempting foods, like cookies, chips, or ice cream, out of immediate eyesight, like on a high shelf or at the back of the freezer. Move the healthier food to the front at eye level.
- When buying in bulk, store the excess in a place that's not convenient to get to, such as a high cabinet or at the back of the pantry.