by Bobby Coles

Created on: June 07, 2009   Last Updated: January 13, 2011

When looking for ways to control food portions, one need not look any further than the nutrition label on the foods in your cupboards. The recommended serving sizes are listed, and are to serve as a guideline for people to make healthy food choices.

Portions have increased dramatically over the years, as is evidenced by the ludicrously large bottles of pop available in stores. Many fast food restaurants also offer extra large servings of their menu items.

Weight gain is endemic, and one of the biggest contributors is food portions. If you find out some ways to control food portions, you will better be able to manage your weight, and, subsequently, your health. Food portions vary from person to person, and it seems as though we are able to eat much more of foods that have empty calories.

Healthier foods tend to be consumed in smaller portions because they send the signals to our brains that we are full. With empty calories, there tends to be no appetite cessation.

When you are sitting down to eat, use a coloured plate so that empty areas do not seem quite so noticeable. A white plate screams out that there is still room for more food. The truth of the matter is, if you fill your plate entirely, chances are that you have taken too large of a portion of food.

The serving size of most foods is listed right on the packaging, so a quick perusal of the recommendations will also allow you the opportunity to realize just how much you should be eating of a certain food. Ignoring the suggested serving size leads to larger portions, which leads to weight gain. This is a bad habit that can easily be fixed.

Portion control is paramount with food intake, and the most effective way to manage your weight. Many people tend to take a little too much on their plate, or to take too little and then return for a second go around. When deciding your portions, you should understand that your plate should be filled in half by vegetables. This will give you a reference point as to your portions.

Never go up for second helpings. This will undoubtedly lead to increased food portions, which should be avoided. Take the proper amount of food the first time you fill your plate. Try not to eat when you are absolutely starving, or else you will probably take larger helpings than you need. This lack of food portion control can lead to many unhealthy choices.

When trying to figure out how much of each food to take, you must realize the daily food guide stipulations, and adhere to them accordingly.

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