In Portion Control

Is anybody else a little disgusted with how much America eats? I'm not just talking fast food either, I'm talking the Buca di Beppo and the Cheesecake Factory restaurants of the world. Since when did 2-3 cups of pasta with extra creamy sauce become a 1 serving dish? Why is it acceptable for a 2500 calorie dessert to be listed on a menu? And why when you go out to eat does the waiter deem it necessary to ask if you want your beer to be a stein? No, I'm sorry I was looking for a beer, not 3.

Don't get me wrong, having giant portions does have its ups if you play your cards right. Eating like a normal person, you will have anywhere between 1-2 meals left over (score! lunch for tomorrow). For places like this I recommend you ask for a box when the food comes out so you can wrap at least half of it right away. Or you could always ask the waiter to do it for you and then a normal serving will be brought out to you.

People need to take a look not only at what they are eating but how much they are eating. Yes things like fruit, pretzels, hummus are good for you but anything in excess can work against you. With all the sugar in fruit, that will quickly add up, even if it is natural sugar- remember it is called "nature's candy" for a reason.

We need to start concentrating more on a well-balanced diet. Sure, have that bowl of ice cream for dessert but know how much a serving is before you scoop it out and then put it away. If you are like me, you scoop it into your bowl but then proceed to eat it out of the container too (something I need to work on).

In 2011, America spend $40 billion on diets. This would be great news if the effort followed, but unfortunately most of this is a representation of aspirations. Therefore it falls back on us and just how many calories we are consuming everyday. Remember, the average human adult stomach can hold 32 oz or a little over 6 cups. Or, for a visual representation, stretch your hand out.  This is about how big your stomach will get when full.

As long as you keep in control and don't let the food control you, you will be on the track towards a healthier you.


Thanks for reading!