Portion Control

Definition

Portion control is the practice of determining the right amount of food to eat in one sitting to maintain a balanced diet and a healthy weight.

Scientific / Technical Definition

Portion control refers to the careful quantification and regulation of food intake per meal or snack to align with dietary needs, nutritional guidelines, and energy expenditure parameters. This practice often involves using measuring tools or visual estimations to ascertain the serving size that supports optimal health and fitness goals.

Benefits

• Helps maintain a healthy weight
• Reduces the risk of overeating
• Promotes healthy digestion
• Assists in blood sugar regulation
• Supports nutrient balance and dietary variety

Examples

• Using smaller plates to reduce food intake
• Measuring snacks instead of eating directly from the package
• Dividing a meal at a restaurant into two servings, one to eat immediately and one to save for later

Additional Information

• Importance: Portion control is important to prevent excess calorie intake, which can lead to weight gain and associated health conditions like obesity, cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes. It also promotes better digestion and energy levels throughout the day.

Related Terms

• Calorie Counting
• Serving Size
• Balanced Diet
• Mindful Eating

References

• The importance of portion control in healthy eating
• Using portion control for a healthier diet