Portion size

Portion size refers to the amount of food or drink that is generally served for a single person to consume in a single eating occasion. The concept of portion size is important in the fields of nutrition, dietetics, and public health, as it is a key factor in determining the total amount of calories and nutrients a person consumes.

Definition

The term "portion size" is often used interchangeably with "serving size", but the two terms have distinct meanings. A serving size is a standardized amount of food, such as a cup or an ounce, used in dietary guidance, such as the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. On the other hand, a portion size is the amount of food or drink a person chooses to consume in one sitting.

Factors Influencing Portion Size

Several factors can influence the portion size a person chooses to consume. These include the size of the plate or bowl the food is served in, the person's hunger level, the type of food, and cultural norms. Research has shown that people tend to consume more food when it is served in larger dishes or when larger portion sizes are offered.

Impact on Health

The size of food portions has been linked to the obesity epidemic in many countries. Larger portion sizes can lead to overeating, as people often consume all of the food they are served, even if it is more than they need. This can result in an excess intake of calories, which can contribute to weight gain and obesity.

Strategies for Controlling Portion Size

There are several strategies that can be used to control portion sizes. These include using smaller dishes, serving food in individual portions rather than family-style, and being mindful of the amount of food consumed. In addition, understanding the difference between portion sizes and serving sizes can help individuals make healthier food choices.

See Also

• Nutrition
• Diet (nutrition)
• Obesity
• Serving size

Portion size Resources
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