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  You are here: Home / MyPyramid Holiday Tips / Portion Sizes

MyPyramid Tips for a Healthier Holiday Season

Watch Your Portion Sizes

A good way to see how big your portions really are is to measure the size of bowls, glasses, cups, and plates you usually use. This can help you choose sensible portions.

To see what 1 cup, ½ cup, or 1 ounce of some different foods looks like, visit the food gallery and find some of the foods in each group that you eat.
 

MyPyramid Food Galleries
 
Grains Vegetables Fruits Milk Meat and Beans

More tips for keeping portion sizes moderate when eating out:

  • Order the appetizer-size portion of your entrée if it's offered.
  • Share a main dish with a friend.
  • Choose a “small” or “medium” portion. This includes main dishes, side dishes, and beverages.
  • If you can chill the extra food right away, take leftovers home in a “doggy bag.”
  • When your food is delivered, set aside or pack half of it to go immediately.
  • Resign from the “clean your plate club” – when you’ve eaten enough, leave the rest.
     
 

Some common food portions can equal the amount that is recommended for the
whole day. For example, one bagel may weigh up to 5 ounces, which equals the entire day’s allotment of grains for someone on a 1600 calorie MyPyramid Plan.

  Keep It Simple
  Eating Out?
  Healthy Holiday Cooking
  Portion Sizes
  Healthy Holidays for Kids
  Food Safety


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