Portions Then and Now: What about corrective action???

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The Truth about Portions then and now:

As we enjoy the holiday festivities and all that this season has to bring, this is a great time to reflect, make strategic plans and make wise choices regarding our foods and our portions. 

It is clear that the portion sizes that we choose to eat or that are given to us when we eat out have escalated over the past decades.  Along with these continually increasing portion sizes, so are our increasing waistlines and rises in overweight and obesity. These are of course linked to declines in health status and chronic disease development.


Reasons behind increased portions:


Food service establishments have also developed marketing strategies to lure the public over the years by offering discounts and coupons, two for one "specials", super-sized offerings that cost a few pennies more, and meal options compared with single items.  These increases in portion sizes are parallel with the increased trends of eating out both at fast food establishments and at fine restaurants. People frequent these establishments for breakfast, lunch and dinner...many times, the very same people. These techniques are all strategically aimed at making consumers feel that they are getting optimal bang for their buck.  How tempting!!

Unfortunately for many, their food choice and portion selection decisions have become "penny wise, pound foolish." (No pun intended!)







Don't Blame the food establishments!!!

In defense of the food establishments, they are trying to keep afloat as we all are in this economy.  Their marketing strategies are meant to convey affordability and quantity.  It is the responsibility of the consumers to choose wisely, to make health a priority for themselves and to understand and reinforce the connection between nutrition and health status.

                                              

What can we do to safeguard our health???


There are a number of behavior modification techniques as well as portion control strategies that can be utilized:

  • Practice eating mindfully.
  • Eat only when hungry and pay attention to fullness.
  • Utilize smaller plates, bowls, cups and glasses. 
  • Obtain and utilize portion control containers that you can carefully pre-package meals for taking to work and school.
  • You can measure foods with a food scale or measuring utensils.
  • When eating out, choose to share large portions or ask for a take-out container.
  • Pay attention and become familiar with serving sizes for common foods and those provided on the labels of food packaging.
  • Choose quality over quantity.
  • Choose to do something exciting rather than reward yourself with food to celebrate an accomplishment.
  • Challenge yourself or group to consume smaller portions.



At the end of the day, your portions are what you choose to eat.  You have power and control over this.   Your portion can be one serving, or it can be five eaten in one sitting.  So, you decide...make wise choices!!  Don't be "penny wise, pound foolish."  



Lorna Hylledig  Ed.D, MSPH, R.D, L.D




























































Comments

  1. Ashley ArcherDecember 16, 2022 at 9:53 AM

    Another excellent read! I love that you included a discussion about how portion sizes have changed over time!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Dr. Lorna HylledigJuly 28, 2023 at 9:50 AM

    Yes, they have doubled and tripled and so have the average waistlines.

    ReplyDelete

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