Huge Portions Lead to Overweight Nations

The amount on food doled out on our plates directly correlates to the width of our waistlines. We are definitely supersizing, and it clearly shows. In accordance with the statistics, the average rate of obesity in some industrialized countries in the 1970s was about 14%. Now, a quarter of the century later, the picture looks much gloomier: in 2007, about 60% of the Westerners are considered to be overweight or obese, with the future prognosis being even more pessimistic.

Part of the problem is the portions. Serving sizes in restaurants and grocery stores are much bigger now than in the past. If some 20 years ago the average oatmeal cookie was about 60 calories, now we have giant-sized sweet monsters that can weigh in at 800 calories - the same amount of energy as many meals. Large portions seem normal because we have become accustomed to them - this is what we see around, and this is what we expect.

The first step in portion control is an understanding of appropriate serving sizes. The American Food Guide Pyramid calls for a certain amount of servings of each food group, but the portion sizes are actually smaller that what people usually pile on their plates. Therefore, understanding of proper portion sizes and reducing of the amount of food you consume can be the first important step to a healthier lifestyle and a narrower midline. For example, the Guide’s idea of one serving of grain products is one piece of bread or a half-cup of cooked cereal, rice, or pasta. The Guide Pyramid recommends a minimum daily amount of six portions of grains. But do you know that a common restaurant plate of pasta or a 12-inch submarine bun already contains 6 servings of grain products? It would be advisable to take some home after a meal out… A quarter pound burger gives you nearly two servings - your daily recommended amount of meat. A bottle of juice counts as three of the prescribed seven daily portions of fruits and vegetables.

If you are concerned about your weight and health, it is very important to train your brain about proper portions. Once you know what sizes are recommended, it gets much easier to stick to a healthy diet.

Tim Ford