The scoop on portion sizes

We live a world of limitless food options. With an all-you-can-eat cafeteria, vending machines in the dorms, late night fast food runs and high-calorie energy drinks, students are consuming more than before they entered college. This increase in calorie intake is subtle but dangerous. David A. Levitsky, a professor of nutritional sciences at Cornell University, believes these patterns may play a role in the obesity of the general public. The gradual weight gain during the college years can lead to a lifestyle of weight gain, and thus obesity.

Controlling the portion size is a simple and effective way to decrease calories. The difficult thing is learning what the correct portion size is. Here are some examples provided in “Controlling Portion Sizes,” an article by the American Cancer Society.

The recommended portions for a meal:

3 oz. meat: size of a deck of cards or bar of soap 3 oz. fish: size of a checkbook 1 oz. cheese: size of 4 dice 1/2 cup pasta: size of a tennis ball Average bagel: size of a hockey puck

We have been conditioned to think we need to eat more than we actually do. It will take effort and self control, but as you start to pay attention to how much you eat, you may notice the positive effects on your health.