Dieting Portion Sizes

Diet Portion Sizes. Information on portion sizes for Diets.

Too much of anything is not good! The same holds true for dieting as well. Carbohydrate, fat, sodium and everything is necessary for the body. But too much is trouble. Like excess of fat may lead to heart disease, take more sodium and you will land up with a high BP. That is why you must eat everything in the right portion so that you can optimize the benefits, yet maintain good health.

A new study in Obesity Research compared two groups of women trying to lose weight. One group consumed a recommended number of servings from the federal Food Guide Pyramid each day, while a second group consumed a similar diet, but utilized two pre-packaged entrees daily.

According to data published in the findings:

Group A: 2 servings meat/alternatives, 2 servings nonfat dairy, 2 servings fruit, 3 servings vegetables, 6 servings grains and 8 cups water lost 4.2% of initial weight.

Group B had portion controlled foods: 2 pre-packaged entrees, 2 cups nonfat milk or yogurt, 2 servings fruit, 2 cups salad vegetables, 3 servings grains and 8 cups water. People in this group lost 6.5% of the initial weight. This group also achieved greater loss of body fat mass, in total cholesterol, waist circumference and also in hip circumference.

So what exactly is a portion? Let us take an example. An average person needs around 1,800 and 2,500 calories every day. Now, if you are having a typical lunch consisting of hamburger, fries and a Coke then you will take in 600 calories. 280 calories for the hamburger, 210 calories for the fries and 110 for the Coke. But if you prefer the BigMac, then you are taking in 580 calories, super size French fries are 610 and a Classic Coke is worth another 410 calories. This adds up to1,600 calories, which is almost the entire calorie intake for the full day. Not good!

This is why you should eat portion controlled food. Eat whatever you like, but limit it.

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