Other researchers say food portions have been gradually getting larger because that’s what many consumers want. It’s called “value sizing” — getting more food for the dollar. The problem is, whether you want so much food or not, the more you’re served, the more you eat.
A serving size of Mexican food has increased from 6 to 8.2 ounces, which increases the calorie total by 184 calories. Pizza is the one type of fast food surveyed that did not increase in serving size from 1977 to 1996. A serving of pizza actually dropped by 35 calories and 0.3 ounces.
Larger Portion Sizes Contribute to U.S. Obesity Problem. “One way to keep calories in check is to keep food portions no larger than the size of your fist.”. Larger portions mean more calories, which can easily add up to extra weight.
In fact, since the 1970s the average size of foods from fast-food chains, restaurants and grocery stores has increased by 138%. Of course, with increased portion sizing comes increased caloric intake. Since these increases happen slowly over time, it’s hard to notice it happening.
Why are food portions getting bigger?
Other researchers say food portions have been gradually getting larger because that’s what many consumers want. It’s called “value sizing” — getting more food for the dollar. The problem is, whether you want so much food or not, the more you’re served, the more you eat.
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.
On average, the volunteers ate 30 percent more from a five-cup portion of macaroni and cheese than from a serving one-half its size, without reporting feeling fuller after eating. Perhaps even more troubling, most of the volunteers never even noticed when the portions were getting larger.
How many calories did the average American consume in 1970?
In 1970, Americans took in an average of 2,160 calories per day. Today, it has skyrocketed to 2,673 daily calories per person.
The starchy carb items should be the smallest part of your plate. Have your family get up and serve themselves. Do not leave the food on the table, or everyone will eat more. When lured by more food for less money, look to see if they are just adding more starch (pasta, French fries or rice).
What is serving size?
Many foods that come as a single portion actually contain multiple servings. Serving Size is the amount of food listed on a product’s Nutrition Facts label. So all of the nutritional values you see on the label are for the serving size the manufacturer suggests on the package.
You may be surprised to learn these are serving sizes: 1 slice of bread. ½ cup rice or pasta (cooked) 1 small piece of fruit (super-large apples are 2+ servings) 1 wedge of melon. ¾ cup fruit juice. =1 cup milk or yogurt. 2 oz. cheese (about the size of a domino)
Restaurants offer extras like breads, chips and other appetizers that add extra calories, sodium and fat but lack any nutritional benefit. Some meals have portions that are enough for two or more people. Many convenience foods and drinks are priced lower but packaged in larger sizes to sell more.
All the time: Tracking your calories helps you monitor your weight. It helps to know what the appropriate serving size is so you can correctly estimate the calories in your portions, especially if you dine out a lot. Using a food diary can help you pay closer attention to what you’re eating, how much and how often.
Sometimes it’s hard to tell if the portions we are eating are the right serving size for our nutritional needs. Portion sizes have increased drastically over the years, contributing to the rising obesity rate.
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