subject: 3 Strategies For Controlling Your Meal Proportions [print this page] Not sure about others, but I love sitting down to a GIANT plate full of food. So the idea of proportion control doesnt sound that appealing to me. However, Ive done the research and found a few strategies that actually work and the great thing about it is that its all about what you can make yourself think. Check out my three strategies that I use everyday to help control my food proportions and Weight Loss.
Smaller Plates
I used to have fairly large plates that I would serve my food on, and the food always appeared so tiny that when I finished the food, I didnt feel full and would have the munchies after dinner. So I picked up a nice dish set that are about 30% smaller than regular dishes from a Calorie Counter. Now when I put the EXACT same amount of food on the plate, the plate is 100% full and I feel 100% full after eating. Its a simple trick of the mind, because I HAVE NOT reduced the amount of food that I eat at all. This is a great way to cut back on calories as well which will successfully contribute to your weight loss.
Know the Portion Rule of Thumb
The portion Rule of Thumb is to measure food servings based on the size of your fist. So all types of food you ingest, should be no larger than your clenched fist. Of course with veggies, fruits, and poultry you can always go over as these are healthy food options. But regarding unhealthier snacks such as chips, candy, and ice cream snacks they should be no larger than your clenched fist to avoid over-eating.
DO NOT Skip Meals
Youre probably thinking what does this have to do with portion control?, but when you skip meals, not only does it slow down your metabolism, but it causes major hunger spikes. So lets say you skip lunch and dont eat until 5pm one day, your going to be filled up after dinner, but because your bodys eating schedule is off youre going to be hungry quickly after and more than likely get a case of the munchies. So try and eat meals on a regular schedule and if possible, eat 5 smaller meals per day rather than 3 large meals.
Hope these strategies helped! If you have a strategy that you use, please comment on the blog below and share with us! For more great fitness, health, and nutrition tips please visit Calorie-Smarts Blog at: http://calorie-smart.com/
