Written by Dr. Ursula Funderburk
I think that we can all agree that Americans as a whole are perpetually on some kind of diet… We are obsessed with the dieting phenomenon. Why the obsession in the last 50 years, what has changed in the way we eat that makes us so compulsive about food?
I am sure that we can agree that there are a plethora of answers to this question, but in the interest of time I will just focus on just one- portion control.
I live in the State of Texas… And before I can type the popular Texas saying, the whole country can probably say it with me, “Everything is bigger in Texas.” That statement could not be more true especially when it comes to food. In all reality portion sizes have not just changed in Texas (though they are probably larger), food portions around the country have increased. The popular documentary that came out several years ago, “Super-Size Me” did an in depth case study on the American diet but in doing so made an interesting observation about the portion size of our foods over the last several decades. For an example, in the 1950’s a regular sized hamburger was 3.9oz (with no option of super-sizing), today burgers range from smallest to largest approximately 4.4-12.6 oz. You can imagine what that might mean in calories…. And let’s face it the average American is not ordering the kiddie meal.
Tips to bring it back in proportion:
- 1. Order the kiddie meal
The next time you decide to visit a fast food restaurant, do yourself a favor and order the kids meal. The food vendor won’t like it but your heart and waist line will.
- 2. Save some for later
When eating out make it a habit of having your waiter divide your meal in half in the kitchen bringing half of the meal on your plate and the other half in a to go container. If that is not an option consider dividing it yourself when it comes to the table. That is good for your wallet and you get to enjoy left overs or share it with someone you love.
- 3. Mind your plate
Give yourself an excuse to buy new dishes by donating your large plates, platters and over-sized dishes to Goodwill. A normal sized plate is about the size of what is considered a salad plate when you purchase packaged dinner wear. Challenge yourself to drink sweetened beverages from 8oz glasses and try not to drink over 12 oz. unless it is water of course.
So remember with healthy eating, less is really more…… Bon Appetit!
Dr. Urs
Filed under: Uncategorized
