BLOG 18 THE DISTORTION OF OUR PORTIONS

BLOG 18 THE DISTORTION OF OUR PORTIONS

In this day and age, size matters. We want more bang for our buck; bigger is better; and if we can get more for less than that’s even better. Well…. when it comes to our portion control, these concepts don’t apply and have distorted our views of how much we are consuming in one sitting. Over the past 20 years, servings have gotten larger, items have become “super-sized”, and the idea of buying in bulk has become popular. We may want more for our dollar, but the problem then arises whether we eat everything that is put in front us.

I believe these larger portions are a direct reflection of the rise in obesity over the past 20 years. Data from a study done by the University of North Carolina revealed, “Hamburgers have expanded by 23 percent; A plate of Mexican food is 27 percent bigger; Soft drinks have increased in size by 52 percent; Snacks, whether they be potato chips, pretzels or crackers, are 60 percent larger” (http://abcnews.go.com/WN/food-portion-sizes-grown-lot/story?id=129685). We have to have the knowledge and willpower to not eat the entire portion, but many of us have been taught to “clean our plates”. Naturally, if more is put in front of us we are inclined to have more. Ultimately, “Larger portion sizes become larger body sizes” (http://abcnews.go.com/WN/food-portion-sizes-grown-lot/story?id=129685).

We aren’t always aware of how much we are consuming, especially in social situations or when we mindlessly eat popcorn at the movies. Conversations are taking place, music is playing, and suddenly what was in front of us is gone. Added to this, we are in what I like to call “a Costco state of mind”. We buy more to save more, but now we have more available to eat. Some examples of larger portions include the bagel: 20 years ago it was 3 inches in diameter and today it is 5-6 inches in diameter. Movie theaters used to serve a box- like carton with about 5 cups inside. Today, you get a tub and can return for free refills. The amount of calories based on the size of an average hamburger is close to 250 calories more than it used it be, not even taking into consideration options like the “Double-Double”. Even the standard 8 ounce cup of coffee has been altered. 16 ounces is the standard at places like Starbucks.  A 6 inch sub is the smallest option at Subway.  We self-serve frozen yogurt, packing it in and piling on the toppings. (http://mentalfloss.com/article/23466/portion-distortion-10-food-servings-now-vs-then).

Overall, “Current fast-food servings are two to five times larger than they were in the 1950s.” (http://www.nbcnews.com/id/20825325/ns/health-diet_and_nutrition/t/any-other-name-its-still-supersize/ ). A kids’ meal is probably what the true portion should be for an adult. Eating at a restaurant can easily accumulate to over 1,000 calories. This distortion transfers into our home life when we have the option to go back for additional servings at meals. Of course I want more of something that tastes so good. Being aware of what one servings actually looks like can help us when we are eating out so that we can eye-ball how much we should have and save the rest for later. Splitting meals is also a great option. Often times an appetizer is plenty of food. For a girl who is constantly hungry, portion control is my enemy, but I know when I go to Claim Jumper or Chili’s that what gets put in front of me is far more than what I should eat in one sitting. It’s having the self-control to stop when the amount is done. Eating and preparing meals at home is the best option if we really want to know what we are eating and stick to our serving sizes (if we have the willpower not to keep getting seconds and thirds). Eating out should be an occasional occurrence. Build the foundations at home (being able to eye ball how much one serving of chicken breast is) and implement as best as possible when you are out and about. Like they say, “Nothing tastes as good as being fit feels”.