Portion sizes: Do you know yours?

Portion sizes: Do you know yours?

Portion sizes can be hard to figure out especially when there are TV shows like “Man vs. Food” where Adam Richman, the show host, portrays a love affair with food. Not to say that we don’t love food but it can definitely be loved and controlled simultaneously. However, it’s hard to visualize what “3 oz of lean meat” looks like when you don’t have any measuring utensils with you! Luckily there is an easier way to remember what our portion sizes should be so we don’t go overboard.

Here are some tips to remember when figuring out how much to put on your plate:

• A Serving of vegetables or fruit:  A baseball or about the size of your fist
• A serving of cooked rice or pasta: A cupped handful
• This also is a good measure for a snack serving, such as chips or pretzels

• A serving of meat, fish or poultry: A deck of cards or the palm of your hand (not including your fingers!)
• Serving for peanut butter: One thumb is about 1 tablespoon
• Serving for cheese: About the size of four dice

Don’t forget about the condiments! The public usually forgets that eating a salad isn’t always healthy. You have to remember to control your portions or make a smarter choice with the salad dressings as well.

Also, make sure to visit the United State Department of Agriculture’s website www.choosemyplate.gov for more information on how to control portion sizes on your plate everyday (in English and Spanish)!