topic Re: Portion Control in Kitchen

Portion Control

rondell — Sat, 22 Feb 2014 21:12:11 GMT

I have decided to try and do something different while eating healthier. I'm tired of counting calories. So, I started looking at portion control.

I've started using a salad plate in place of a dinner plate. I visually divide the plate into three sections. Within each section, I put my normal amounts of food in each section, and then I cut it all in half. After removing the halved sections, I then can see what certain amounts of food look like on my plate. I've been trying to drink a cup of water before each meal, eat smaller bites and chew slowly. I've also been eating more variety of steamed or roasted vegetables.

I hope I wrote all of this out so it makes sense, and perhaps can help someone. I'm not making any drastic changes with my diet, but concentrating on my eating habits at the moment. I have cut out sugar, which is hard to do, but it can be done easily once you get passed the cravings.

So far, this plan is working for me. I have 3 more pounds to lose to reach my goal, and they aren't letting go easily. I'll have to be patient and not give up, which is a temptation.

Some days are harder than others, but I didn't think this would be a piece of cake. No pun intended.

Re: Portion Control

Marienkaefer2 — Sat, 22 Feb 2014 21:30:51 GMT

Your ideas sound good!

I got a new set of dishes las year, and I noticed the salad/dessert plates were quite big, and the dinner plates huge.

So, I have been using the salad plates to eat, too. It works really well, because I don't pile up the food, just put enough on to cover the inside of the rim. For example, baked potato, broccoli, chicken. It fits together like a puzzle. And when I'm.done, I'm full but I don't feel stuffed.

ETA: I know what you know mean about the last few pounds. Those are always the hardest!

Re: Portion Control

rondell — Sat, 22 Feb 2014 21:32:42 GMT

I forgot to mention something, I have found that if I take one more bite after feeling satisfied, I pay a huge price. My stomach will ache from over load. I hate that feeling, but I think my stomach has shrunk from eating this way. I hope that's a good thing and not unhealthy.

Re: Portion Control

RetRN — Sat, 22 Feb 2014 21:34:39 GMT

Good for you. I bet you will see results soon.

Re: Portion Control

goodstuff — Sat, 22 Feb 2014 21:37:17 GMT

A small salad plate divided into three sections........and then you take away half of the food in each section? So in effect, your meal is about half a salad plate worth of food? You're right: those sound like very small portions! To me, this doesn't sound like a plan most healthy adults would be able to stick with for very long.......unless perhaps you're eating many of these small meals during the day.

Re: Portion Control

AuntG — Sat, 22 Feb 2014 21:39:53 GMT

One night ABC News mentioned a study showing people who lost weight by eating with their non-dominant hand because they ate so much slower. I tried it for about two days. Doubt if I lost any weight, but I lost food down the front of my shirt and onto the floor!

Re: Portion Control

rondell — Sat, 22 Feb 2014 21:42:37 GMT

On 2/22/2014 GoodStuff said:
A small salad plate divided into three sections........and then you take away half of the food in each section? So in effect, your meal is about half a salad plate worth of food? You're right: those sound like very small portions! To me, this doesn't sound like a plan most healthy adults would be able to stick with for very long.

I put my normal serving size on the plate, then half it. My plate runneth over before I half it.

We don't seem to get in our country....huge and over the top portions sizes is very unhealthy. We super size everything just about. No wonder, we as a nation, are so overweight and unhealthy.

Re: Portion Control

Marienkaefer2 — Sat, 22 Feb 2014 21:42:47 GMT

Chopsticks are good for this too. They do make me slow down.

Re: Portion Control

rondell — Sat, 22 Feb 2014 21:43:44 GMT

On 2/22/2014 AuntG said:
One night ABC News mentioned a study showing people who lost weight by eating with their non-dominant hand because they ate so much slower. I tried it for about two days. Doubt if I lost any weight, but I lost food down the front of my shirt and onto the floor!

Yeah, that doesn't sound like a very good idea to me. I use my dominate hand to eat. Food should be enjoyed, not a burden.

Re: Portion Control

rondell — Sat, 22 Feb 2014 21:44:58 GMT

On 2/22/2014 Marienkaefer2 said:
Chopsticks are good for this too. They do make me slow down.

I never thought of that. Maybe I'll try that, just to keep it interesting. Thanks, Marienkaefer2!

Re: Portion Control

Marienkaefer2 — Sat, 22 Feb 2014 21:48:29 GMT

Rondell, it helps with me, and it's fun, too

Re: Portion Control

goodstuff — Sat, 22 Feb 2014 21:49:27 GMT

On 2/22/2014 rondell said:
On 2/22/2014 GoodStuff said:
A small salad plate divided into three sections........and then you take away half of the food in each section? So in effect, your meal is about half a salad plate worth of food? You're right: those sound like <em>very</em> small portions! To me, this doesn't sound like a plan most healthy adults would be able to stick with for very long.

I put my normal serving size on the plate, then half it. My plate runneth over before I half it.

We don't seem to get in our country....huge and over the top portions sizes is very unhealthy. We super size everything just about. No wonder, we as a nation, are so overweight and unhealthy.

OK.......I'm just not sure I see the role of the salad plate, if it's not serving as a guide for the amount of food you put on the plate. If you're starting with a piled-up portion of food tumbling off your small plate, why not just put it on a regular plate where it actually fits and halve that?

Re: Portion Control

ennui1 — Sat, 22 Feb 2014 21:53:58 GMT

Plates? You don't just lean over the kitchen sink and eat out of the carton? *ponders*

Re: Portion Control

rondell — Sat, 22 Feb 2014 21:59:33 GMT

On 2/22/2014 GoodStuff said:
On 2/22/2014 rondell said:
On 2/22/2014 GoodStuff said:
A small salad plate divided into three sections........and then you take away half of the food in each section? So in effect, your meal is about half a salad plate worth of food? You're right: those sound like <em>very</em> small portions! To me, this doesn't sound like a plan most healthy adults would be able to stick with for very long.

I put my normal serving size on the plate, then half it. My plate runneth over before I half it.

We don't seem to get in our country....huge and over the top portions sizes is very unhealthy. We super size everything just about. No wonder, we as a nation, are so overweight and unhealthy.

OK.......I'm just not sure I see the role of the salad plate, if it's not serving as a guide for the amount of food you put on the plate. If you're starting with a piled-up portion of food tumbling off your small plate, why not just put it on a regular plate where it actually fits and halve that?

GoodStuff, I'm not selling anything or suggesting this is the only way to eat your food. I was sharing what works for me and thought someone else might benefit from it.

You've managed to twist my words and argue a point that isn't going anywhere. I get it, you don't approve, and you win.

Re: Portion Control

chessylady — Sat, 22 Feb 2014 22:02:48 GMT

Put your fork down and take a sip of water after each bite. This is pretty hard to do.

Re: Portion Control

rondell — Sat, 22 Feb 2014 22:06:05 GMT

On 2/22/2014 chessylady said: Put your fork down and take a sip of water after each bite. This is pretty hard to do.

That would be hard, I agree. I'm trying get into the habit of downsizing my portions, so that hopefully, I can do something as a lifestyle and can stick with it. If it's too hard, I'm not going to do it for very long.

Re: Portion Control

GrannyDea — Sat, 22 Feb 2014 22:32:04 GMT

Rondell, Sounds like you are on to something. We started using 9" plates some time ago. Got some Fiesta plates, so bright and colorful. No, I haven't lost weight but if I would eat the way you are, perhaps I would. I've certainly thought about eating that way. Plates have gotten bigger over the years and so has portion sizes. We don't eat out often, but when we do. my husband and I always bring home about half our food. I don't eat between meals and not a whole lot at mealtime. But still need to do more. With back problems, it's hard to exercise.

I want to thank you for all your tips on how "you" are eating and hoping it might help someone else. I bet it does. Bless you for that. And it might even encourage old me to do better at placing less food on my "little" plate. I hardly eat seconds knowing if I do, I will be miserable.

Re: Portion Control

skuggles — Sat, 22 Feb 2014 22:40:59 GMT

rondell, I've been doing this for a few years now ... portion control. I don't deny myself anything as long as the portion is within "portion size" as a recommended daily allowance. You can learn the portion sizes of common foods and use that. I do cheat now and then. I have lost 45 pounds and dropped 4 sizes. It works. I occasionally hit a plateau with the weight loss. As I got smaller the loss kind of slowed down. Now I think I'm at a good weight, but will continue with the portion control and sharply reducing white or refined carbs. I also exercise daily.

Re: Portion Control

rondell — Sat, 22 Feb 2014 22:45:23 GMT

Hi Granny! At my age, I have to do something differently. The weight just doesn't come off so easily. I'm nursing a bad ankle these days and not doing much. And nothing bounces back like it used to. It's been a week since I twisted it and it still is bothering me. I'm not good at sitting around and this is killing me just sitting here with it elevated.

I've already told myself if my last 3 pounds stays on.....so be it. I'm not going to stress over it, but I'll continue to eat properly for me. I can't believe how good I feel from eating a healthier diet. No sugar, less salt, eat good fats in place of bad fats, smaller portions sizes...it's been good for me.

Thank you for you response. It's good to "see" you!

Re: Portion Control

151949 — Sat, 22 Feb 2014 22:49:17 GMT

Since i am limiting my fat intake to only 40 gm a day I have to eat much smaller portions. I measure everything - 1 cup of cheerios and i cup of 2% milk are 5 gms of fat. I add some honey - that's a freebee for me. So I do agree with you that portion control is important. My class puts a lot of empahsis on not depriving yourself of anything but eating it in smaller amounts. It is working for me - and I'm glad it is working for you. i wish i was down to only 3 # left to lose !!!