Portion Control

So one thing that I have been trying to address these past 3 months is portion control- probably the most important issue facing a lot of dieters. Like a lot of people, I used to eat whatever and however much of it I wanted, which is why I have this cozy little spare tire.... So yes, I have been addressing this issue in my diet for the first time in my life, trying to make a habit of eating less.

I have the measuring cups and spoons out at all times in the kitchen. I have been measuring most of what I eat so that I can start to understand visually what a reasonable portion looks like. Here are some examples of the portions I allow for certain foods that I think are reasonable, I try to stay within these limits and I almost always measure them:

1 tbsp. nut butter (almond or peanut)
1 tbsp. honey
1/2 cup cooked rice
up to 1 cup yogurt
1/2 cup ice cream (if you can stop at that you are golden! I try to avoid ice cream altogether.)
1 tbsp. salad dressing
1/4 cup nuts
no larger than my fist, usually 1/2 that: meats
1/4 cup granola
8 oz. smoothie of any kind
1/4 avocado


I find when I am tired it is really really easy for me to get off-track. Also the influence of friends! Yesterday at my cousin's tea party I hadn't eaten lunch, so I proceeded to tear through anything that was in front of me. Except for the chocolates, most of the food was pretty healthy but I know I wasn't eating consciously, I was snacking mindlessly. Later we hit an Indian buffet starving, and I do NOT know my way around Indian food. I also rarely eat it, so I decided to just pig out. Done.

I certainly think sometimes you can't think too much or obsess over food. As long as I am eating right majority of the time and exercising, I feel Ok. You should too!

xoxo,

Robin