Why Is Portion Control Important?
By Donna Stark
Maintaining a healthy weight is vital if you also want to maintain optimal health and wellness, and an easy way to do that is through your diet. But let's not talk about what foods you should and shouldn't be eating. Instead, let's have a quick discussion about portion control because, in addition to the types of food you eat, it's important to pay attention to how much you are putting on your plate. Here's what your local chiropractors at The Joint Chiropractic have to say on the topic.
Why Is Portion Control Important?
Understanding portion control is just as important as understanding which types of food you should eat and which types you should avoid. Portion control falls somewhere between eating too much and not eating enough. It is often the reason why so many people fail with their weight loss or end up with other, serious medical conditions.
Serving Size and Portion Control
There is a huge difference between serving size and portion control, so let's clear up the confusion between the two. A serving size is an exact amount of food and is generally listed at the top of that item's packaging label. For example, a bag of chips may contain eight servings in the bag and a can of soda may contain just one serving.
A portion of food is how much of any item you choose to eat in one sitting. Sometimes, the portion you serve yourself will match the actual serving size, but other times, it could be more. And if it is consistently more, you can expect problems to ensue.
How to Control Your Portions
Now that you know the difference between a serving size and a portion, it's time to start putting your knowledge into action. Here are some suggestions on how to start controlling your portions during the day.
- Get a plate - Stop eating directly out of the manufacturer's packaging. Measure your food and place it on a plate instead.
- Avoid distractions - Turn the TV off and put your phone down so you can really pay attention to how much you are eating.
- Take your time - Give your brain ample time to realize your stomach is full. Eating fast is a great way to end up consuming more than you should have.
- Try using smaller dishes -The appearance of a full plate (even with less food) is great for portion control.
- Don't skip meals - Skipping meals will only make you hungrier for the next meal ahead and could cause you to eat more than you should.
Healthy Eating
In addition to the types of foods you eat, you also need to pay attention to how much you are eating if you want optimal health and wellness! So, start with the above suggestions today and watch how quickly they can make a difference.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Carson City, Nev.