Portion Control Secrets

Anyone who is trying to lose weight on a diet will understand the importance of controlling the portion sizes that they eat. Being able to control how much you eat when it comes to putting out portions is essential and can be the make or break of any diet. Portion control is the number one way to avoid overeating and so avoid gaining weight but rather help you lose it instead.

What to do with leftovers

If you have foods left over and wish to keep it to use another day then instead of putting the food in one large container break it up into smaller ones. Separate the food into the correct portion sizes before storing is an excellent way to ensure that you don't put out too bigger portion when you come to use up the lefts over's.

Always make sure to eat plenty of salad before your main meal. Fiber in the vegetable will help to fill you up and then along with the food you have already prepared in portion sizes you will be well on your way to eating healthier and losing some of that weight.

When shopping for food make sure that you don't buy the larger bags, where possible stick with the single serving sizes. This will not put temptation in your way and will stop you from over eating, many of the most popular snacks are now sold in single servings or portions and these are the ones you should aim for and choose off the shelves. If you purchase the bigger family size bags of snacks due to them being cheaper then get some smaller plastic bags and portion the snacks out as soon as you get home from the store.

Can I have seconds?

Once you have had your main meal, never be tempted to go back for seconds immediately. If you have given yourself the right portion and are eating the correct types of foods, for example salad before your meal then seconds won't be needed. If you think you are still hungry after eating the correct portion then drink an 8 oz glass of water and wait for 10 minutes, water will help to quell the hungry feeling while not added extra calories.

Fast food tips

If you go out to eat say at a fast food restaurant then order a kids meal, you could be surprised how big the portions are in fast food restaurants especially when they ask you if you want to add the big meal for just a little more. A child's portion will be more in line with what the recommended portion is and will have fewer calories. A child's portion at a fast food restaurant often has more calories than the typical person needs in a meal, but is okay to each if you view it as a treat. Compare that to a normal size adult portion and you will find that the normal portion at a fast food restaurant typically has more calories than a typical adult needs in an entire day. Fast food has an enormous amount of calories in it and can soon pile on the pounds, especially if fast food is your forte.

One thing to remember is be good all week and don't cheat on your diet, stick with the correct portion sizes and then Saturday or Sunday treat yourself to something that you know should be forbidden. This could be a little extra pudding or one of those cream donuts that's been driving you crazy and begging to be eaten.

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