Portion Distortion

(via Perfect Fit Bootcamp)

Conventional portion sizes in the United States are, in a word, ample. When you go out to dinner, you are typically served two to four times the amount you should be eating in one meal. This is—in my opinion—because Americans like to get the most for their dollar, which often adversely affects their health, not to mention their relationship with food. I think it’s sad that our country is more familiar with supersizing than portion sizing, but with so many obsolete food pyramids and hyped-up portion plates floating around, who wouldn’t be perplexed?

We grew up with the age-old food pyramid telling us to eat 6-8 servings of grains and “minimal” fats and sweets, but what does that really mean? To further confuse us, we were recently introduced to the USDA’s MyPlate, which gives us these guidelines for balancing calories: Enjoy your food, but eat less. Avoid oversized portions.

Honestly, could they be more vague?

(via USDA's MyPlate)

The USDA’s MyPlate also suggests to “make at least half your grains whole grains.” They must be joking. All of your grains should be whole grains!  Ladies, if you consider yourself health-conscious or you’re pursuing a healthy lifestyle, put down the white rice, white pasta and white bread. Seriously, you’re not doing your body any favors by eating refined carbs.

So what—and how much—should you be eating? Personally, I look to the ½-¼-¼ ratio, pictured below. It’s the same concept as MyPlate, but much more easily digestible (pun absolutely intended), straightforward, relatable and reproducible. And don’t grab the largest dinner plate in your cupboard, either. By keeping moderation in mind, you’ll be on your way to a healthier (and more realistic) idea of portion sizes.

(via Get Fit Healthy)