Serving Size vs Portion Size
Serving Size vs Portion Size
Serving vs Portion
Do you know the difference between serving size and portion size? Understanding this distinction is crucial for anyone who is health-conscious, yet many individuals remain unaware of what sets these two terms apart. Are you one of them?
The unfortunate reality is that a significant number of people consume far more food than necessary to meet their daily nutrient and calorie requirements. One of the primary offenders contributing to this overeating epidemic is portion size.
Serving Size vs. Portion Size
Serving size is defined as the recommended amount of food indicated on a product's nutrition label; it’s a guideline provided by food manufacturers to help consumers understand how much of the food they should ideally consume. On the other hand, portion size is entirely under our control and refers to the amount of food that we actually choose to eat. Often, we overlook the suggested serving size and end up consuming double or even triple that amount based on our personal perception of what constitutes a reasonable portion.
To achieve optimal health and well-being, mastering portion control is essential. One effective strategy is to align our eating habits more closely with serving sizes. Below are portion recommendations for a few common foods to help guide you:
1 slice of bread
½ cup of rice or pasta (cooked)
1 small piece of fruit
¾ cup of fruit juice
1 cup of milk or yoghurt
2 oz. of cheese
2-3 oz. of meat, poultry, or fish (roughly the size of a deck of cards)
Keeping track of what you consume can be a game-changer. Do you ever consider the recommended portion sizes of the products you eat? Why not take a day to monitor your intake and compare it to the suggested servings? You might be astounded by the results!
Reflecting on my own experience a few years back, I was surprised to discover that even items I had never thought twice about led to excess consumption. When I started restricting my portion sizes to the recommended amounts, I noticed a significant improvement in my health and wellness.
I hope you find this information enlightening and helpful. Small adjustments can lead to remarkable changes in your overall well-being. Until next time!
Emma Alexander-Cook
Facebook Support Group
A Facebook group set up to support those living with Autoimmune Diseases or are living gluten-free, dairy-free life.
