For the last few days I’ve been tracking my calories to see what’s contributing to the higher numbers on the scale. In an effort to be as accurate as I can, I’ve also been measuring out my portions. What I’ve learned is that I am terrible at estimating portion sizes; I can’t tell the difference between a tablespoon and a teaspoon and if I order a restaurant size bowl of pasta, there is no way I will be able to tell what a cup of it is.
In my nutrition classes at school, I’ve learned multiple times how to visualize portion sizes using regular household objects. I know that 3oz of meat can be compared to a deck of cards, a bagel should be the size of a tuna can, a potato should be the size of a computer mouse, an ounce of cheese should be the size of a domino, and rice should be the size of a lightbulb.
For some people, that may be helpful. For me, not so much. I can’t remember the last time I used an actual computer mouse, I have no clue how big a domino is, and I don’t change a lot of lightbulbs. I don’t want to carry around measuring utensils everywhere I go, but I need something that’s always on me that I can use to visualize portion sizes.
I searched portion sizes on the internet until I discovered the one utensil that’s been in front of my face the whole time; my hands!
It was love at first sight. Now I hope my hands aren’t too big!
I am totally stealing this! You are right about the computer mouse thing, there are definitely people who have no idea how big that easy. They are either too young to appreciate a desktop and not a laptop or too old to not be familiar with technology.
Exactly- I have a laptop and I very rarely use a desktop.
OMG this is so cool, saving the picture right now!!
Glad you like it
Great chart! I’ve heard the palm and fist tricks before, but never the thumb! Thanks for sharing!
You’re welcome
Thats awesome. I like how to has two different sizes for an ounce. One for heavier more nutrient dense foods and the other for lighter snack foods. Thats great!
Me too! I love it.
Just found this blog – love it
thanks for the portions guide, i have a bit of trouble remembering portion sizes sometimes!!
Yay I’m so glad you like it
I love this! I definitely know how it can be tough to estimate portion sizes, especially of liquid things (at least for me those are tough!).
I have trouble with liquids too.
That’s a great chart!
I agree