4 Simple Portion Control Habits to Implement Today

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Portion control is probably one of the least appealing topics to consider when attempting to lose weight. When the words 'portion control' is mentioned, images of scales, measuring cups, and spoons, as well as countless hours weighing and remembering how much of what food you ate, come to mind.

But it doesn't have to be that way or that difficult. There are a few simple portion control tricks that, when practiced consistently on a daily basis, resulting in weight loss.

Divide and conquer: This is the simplest trick and can be used with any menu, whether in a restaurant, at a friend's house, or at home. When your plate is completely empty, divide it in half. The top half should be filled with vegetables or a combination of vegetables and fruit. Salad of fresh tossed iceberg lettuce and steaming broccoli. A lovely serving of green beans is accompanied by bright carrots. Sweet strawberries were nestled against a mound of dark leafy greens. You get the picture. The top half of your plate should always include a combination of fruits and vegetables, or all vegetables.

The lower half of your plate should be divided into two sections: one for protein and one for vegetables. This area of your plate should be occupied by chicken, beef, fish, or beans. The other side should contain a complex carbohydrate, such as brown rice, a slice of pumpernickel bread, or a serving of whole grain pasta (without any cream or butter-based sauce). And that is all there is to it! No matter what is served, portion control can be achieved without much thought.

Smaller is better: Another simple tip is to use a smaller plate, which is one of the oldest dieting tricks in the book. When you fill your (smaller) plate with the above-mentioned ratio of vegetables, fruits, carbs, and protein, you trick your mind into thinking you're indulging - your eyes can't see any empty space on the plate, so this meal will be filling!

Make a point of not bringing the serving dishes to the table. According to studies, if you have to get up from the table to get another helping of food from the stove or kitchen counter, you probably won't. Overeating is reduced, and as a result, your total caloric intake for that meal is reduced. If you do this for each meal, your total daily calorie intake will be reduced, assisting you in losing weight. So keep those food pots, pans, and dishes off the table and off the kitchen counter. Your waistline will applaud it!

(Completely Master the art of portion control in dieting at Fresh and Lean, the Food website)[https://www.freshnlean.com/blog/portion-control/]