Thursday, January 5, 2017

Count Portions Not Calories

When trying to lose weight, many people resort to counting calories to get their journey started. While this may work for some, counting calories can be very tedious and unmanageable for many people. Counting every calorie, every day is a lot of work, and often times, does not yield the results that we are looking for. So, if you are one of those people, instead of trying to count calories, manage your portions instead, and your calories will often fall exactly where they need to be. 
Image result for hand portion control

Controlling portions is easy, portable and is scaled to each individual. This method is also simple, and flexible based on the results that an individual is seeing. So, below you will find a general guideline to follow when trying to control your portions.

  • One serving of protein= the size of your palm, which is about 20-30 grams
  • One serving of vegetables= the size of your fist
  • One serving of carbohydrates= the size of cupped hands, which is about 20-30 grams
  • One serving of fat= the size of your thumb, which is about 7-12 grams
Generally, it is recommended that men eat about 2 servings of each food per meals, for 4 meals a day, while women should only have one serving per meal, for 4 meals a day. The great thing about using this plan is that it is a great starting point and can be easily adjusted based on hunger, fullness, activity level, goals and results. Depending on your goals and the results you are getting, it is easy to simply add or subtract another serving of carbs or veggies and see how your body reacts. This plan is a great way to try something new and get outside of your comfort zone when it comes to your diet. 


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