Size of Hand Portion Control
March 19, 2009 by Peggy Rowland
Filed under Women's Health
How often do you stop to think about the size of that serving of chicken or potatoes on your plate? You can become more aware with a simple built-in tool — your hand!
Nutritionist John Erickson of Zone Delivery USA recommends using your hand to determine portion size:
Size of hand: Carbohydrates, very little starches
Size of palm: Protein including chicken, fish, beef, turkey, egg whites, low fat cheeses, tofu, etc.
Size of thumb: Fats and oils, nuts, avocado and olives
Zone Delivery USA is a popular meal delivery service that supplies balanced meals using a ratio of 40% carbohydrates, 30% protein and 30% favorable fats. And they offer things you can’t find at a fast-food restaurant. For instance, apple bread pudding for breakfast or chicken chili for dinner. Two of my favorite things.
More tips
Erickson also suggests drinking a large glass of water before eating a meal. That tip will slow down eating and help reduce calorie intake. When it comes to snack time, he advises selecting a portion of food rather than eating directly from the container.
Have you used size of hand portion control?
(Image via stock.xchng)
A friend of mine is suggesting I use Flavor Magic Portion Control Sheets, which she describes as basically a portioning guide that also seasons the food. Kind of like the “palm of hand” rule, but more accurate. Does anyone have input on this one? She claims it is working for her with home cooking. I want to give it a shot but it looks like it is only available online.
Hi Alana. I haven’t tried the portion control sheets, but I requested a sample so I could do a review here. I can’t promise it, but maybe they’ll send me some! Please check back.