Tips | Portion Control

Today my girl Stacy With Lemon Tree Wellness is back with 8 tips to help us with portion control. I don't know about you but if one is good, two or three is better. You feel me? 

But in all seriousness, portion control is extremely important when it comes to a balanced diet and losing weight if that's what your goal is. 

8 Portion Control Tips

Portion sizes aren't what they used to be. A generation ago many things considered a "large" are today's "small". Restaurants pride themselves on who can serve the largest portions. Packaged food has even adjusted the labeled portion size. How are people to control their portions in a society where "bigger is better"?

Here are a few ways to keep things in check:

1. Don't be tempted or driven to finish your plate. Separate leftovers into single serving containers so you're less tempted to eat all that remains after your body gives you the "all full" signal.

2. When cooking at home, make enough vegetables to fill at least half your plate. This will help crowd out your grain and protein portions.

3. Drink a glass of water and / or have a salad before your meal. This will curb your appetite and help you with overeating.

4. When eating out, split an entree. 

5. Eat slowly and chew your food well. Chewing breaks down food and makes it easier on the stomach and small intestine. This will give your body the time it needs to realize it's full and you will generally find more enjoyment in your meal.

6. Divide your snacks into single servings. Large containers lend themselves to overeating. How many times have you sat down with a a bag of chips and before you know it the whole bag is gone.

7. Dish your plate up and leave the food in the kitchen. This will decrease the likely hood of you refilling your plate. If you find your plate empty and you're still hungry wait 15 minutes before going back for seconds. More often than not you will change your mind.

8. Have smaller meals throughout the day. This will keep you satisfied and decrease the urge to eat large portions at breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

I have been working on making numbers 2, 3, and 4 happen over the last month or so and I've really noticed a difference. What about you, have you given any of these tips a try or are they new to you? If so, I hope you give them a shot!

Xo,

T.