Healthy Serving

Definition

A healthy serving is a portion of food that meets the nutritional needs of an individual without exceeding calorie and nutrient recommendations. It helps in maintaining balanced diet and proper portion control.

Scientific / Technical Definition

A healthy serving refers to the specific amount of food recommended by dietary guidelines to provide the optimal level of nutrients and energy. It involves understanding and implementing portion sizes that align with one's dietary needs based on age, sex, and physical activity level to prevent overconsumption or undernutrition.

Benefits

• Helps maintain a balanced diet
• Aids in controlling calorie intake
• Prevents overeating and related health issues
• Supports healthy weight management
• Promotes better digestion and nutrient absorption

Examples

• A serving of vegetables might be one cup for leafy greens.
• A serving of protein could be a 3-ounce piece of meat or fish.
• A serving of grains may be one slice of bread or half a cup of cooked pasta.

Additional Information

• Importance: Understanding healthy serving sizes is important for achieving a balanced diet that provides essential nutrients without excess calories, aiding in the prevention of obesity and lifestyle-related diseases.

Related Terms

• Portion Size
• Balanced Diet
• Calorie Counting
• Dietary Guidelines
• Serving Size

References

• Choose MyPlate: Serving Sizes
• The Importance of Portion Control