When people struggle to lose weight or maintain their weight, it is not always about the foods they are choosing. Sometimes, the problem comes down to portion control. You may not be aware of how much you are eating, or you may have learned, over time, to see your portions as normal when really they are quite large. The good news is that you can improve your portion control over time. Here are some tips to help you do that.
Use measuring cups
When you serve yourself food, use a measuring cup to measure it. You might be surprised, at first, by how little cereal actually fits into a 3/4 cup measuring cup, or by how much 1 cup of milk really is. Some people like to buy a specific set of measuring cups and then use them only for food portioning purposes. You're more likely to stick with the habit of measuring your food if you get to do so with tools you love.
Use smaller plates and bowls
A proper portion will look like a really small amount of food if you put it on a huge plate or in a really deep bowl. So, invest in some smaller plates and bowls in order to make your portions look more substantial. A 10-inch plate, for example, is more than large enough to hold a full dinner. You don't need a 14-inch plate that will make your cup of rice, cup of carrots, and 4 ounces of chicken breast look like a child's meal.
Serve yourself, and then put the rest away
You may start off with a manageable portion, but then throw your diet off by helping yourself to a second or maybe even a third portion. To avoid this downfall, put the food away after serving yourself the initial portion. Put your chips in a bowl, then put the bag back in your pantry. Serve yourself dinner, and then put the leftovers back in the fridge.
Eat smaller portions more often
Sticking to smaller portions is a lot easier if you're not starving every time you eat. To keep your appetite under control, try eating smaller portions more often. For example, instead of eating larger portions at noon and 7:00 pm, eat smaller portions at noon, 3:00, and 7:00.
With the tips above, you can reclaim control over your food portions and have an easier job maintaining your weight.
For more information on portion control training, contact a company like 80bites.
Share7 December 2021
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