Food portions are a huge part of any weight loss discussion. How much of what and when can you eat it?
This past week I was down for the count with what I’m calling a “bad cold”. There is nothing that will take you out faster than the lack of being able to eat. No energy, feeling like crap, and on top of that worrying about all the triathlon training that is now falling behind. Let’s just say that I learned the hard way that you do NOT want to workout when you have nausea.
That may not have been the kindest introduction to talking about food, but after chicken broth and saltines for 2 days, I’m all up for some real food goodness.
Are your food portions in control?
Let’s say you are all about making healthy eating choices. You try to eat mostly whole foods… you know, the stuff that doesn’t require industrial packaging. And of course you drink plenty of water.
This is the number one question I get shortly after sharing that I lost 80 pounds. A huge part of my success was eating real portions. With bagels the size of Frisbees, you are not the only one trying to figure this stuff out.
The gang over at TheBestLife.com have this handy reference to try and keep food portion in control. It’s very easy to fill our bowl, plate, or platter to overflow. The space is there, why not fill it up?
Most of us know the size of a tennis ball, baseball and ping pong ball. How much cereal should you have? About 2 tennis balls worth. Want a serving of rice or pasta? Shoot for an amount that is about 1/2 a baseball.
I can’t say I’m thrilled to see ice cream on the list, but I do appreciate the size reference being totally realistic. If you really want a scoop, be sure to savor the 1/2 baseball size portion!
Your food portion goal this week? Be aware.
Paying attention is the hard part of making change. Be aware. Stay conscious what we are feeding ourselves at our quick meals that we are squeezing into our crazy days. Add your comment… what food portion annoys you the most?
Go get your fit on – Heather
Source: Your Portion Cheat Sheet infographic by vococreative.
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Heather Montgomery is a fitness writer, triathlete, and serial entrepreneur who is devoted to sharing what she has learned about becoming a triathlete after age 40. She uses her Metabolic Training Certification to help other women struggling to get fit in mid-life. She lives and trains in Santa Rosa, California, the new home of the Ironman triathlon. You can find her biking the Sonoma County wine trails.
Note: Articles by Heather may contain affiliate links and will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on an affiliate link.
