6 Simple Ways to Practice Portion Control
You’re busy. You’re on the go. And it takes time to prep meals. Maybe you whip something together and chow it down. Or maybe you’re a regular at the drive-thru, buffet, and restaurants.
It’s no secret that restaurant meals tend to be biggie-sized...enough for two. But even if you’re eating at home, you might eat too much. And that’s not what you want if you’re trying to tip the scale in the right direction. Continue reading to view our portion control tips.
Wondering what you can do to keep your diet in check?
Here are 6 ways to practice Portion Control:
- Munch and crunch veggies first. Pick your favorites. Try carrots, zucchini, green peas, spinach, broccoli, or peppers. Vegetables are packed with vitamins and nutrients. Plus, they’re a good source of fiber that helps “fill” you up and control appetite.
- Follow the 10-minute rule. Dig in and eat your meal. But when you’re done, don’t be in a rush to dish up for seconds. It takes time for your brain and body to communicate. Wait 10 minutes. Then reassess to see if you’re still hungry.
- Pack it up...first. You take the time to prep a meal in the kitchen, and dish it up. You’re about to sit down and enjoy your dish, but all the extras are sitting on the counter. Before you eat, pack up the extra. Put it in the refrigerator or store it in the freezer. You’ll be a lot less likely to go for seconds and overeat.
- Take smaller bites. Instead of trying to polish off a burger, sandwich, or salad like a vacuum, take smaller bites. Slow down and chew your food. Resist the urgent to eat fast, like you’re trying to inhale your food. Cut things up into smaller bites, and enjoy it.
- Eat healthy snacks between meals. Ever break for a meal after you haven’t eaten for hours? What happens? You’re starving, and it’s a recipe for overeating and indulging in high-calories foods. Instead of going hours without eating, plan healthy snacks in between meals like berries, Greek yogurt, cucumber slices, or fresh-cut veggies with hummus.
- Start with a to-go box for restaurant meals. Like going out to eat? Most restaurant meals are big enough for two. When you place your order, get a to-go box when your meal is ready. Before eating, dish up half the meal in the to-go box. Now you’ve got your next meal ready, and you’ll avoid overeating.
Hungry for an easier way to manage your diet? Check out the complete menu of Portion-Control meals that taste great and only take minutes to prepare.