4 Ways to Trim Servings
Learn portion control

All foods can be part of a healthy diet, if you eat them in the right amounts. But many of us don't know how big a single serving is — and the rest of us still "super size" it instead of sticking to a reasonable portion. How often is your chicken dish just 3 ounces (the size of a deck of cards) or your cereal bowl filled with just 1 cup? Try these tips to get servings down to size:

* Measure out proper portions for one week to learn what the serving size looks like.

* Dish out meals and snacks in single serve containers before storing them in the pantry, fridge or freezer.

* Spend a little extra on pre-measured foods if that technique helps you eat less; it won't cost more in the end because you'd have finished the box faster the old way.

* At restaurants, when the mega-plate arrives, immediately cut it in half and ask the waiter to bring a second plate, and put it aside, or better yet have the waiter put it in a doggie bag at the start of the meal, so you're not tempted by it.

Source: The National Institutes of Health (NIH). The NIH does not recommend or endorse any company advertised on this site.