Portion Control

Definition

Portion control involves eating only the amount of food that your body needs, and it helps in managing one's intake of calories and nutrients necessary for maintaining a healthy weight.

Scientific / Technical Definition

Portion control refers to the practice of regulating the amount of food consumed at a single meal based on specific dietary needs. It is an essential aspect of diet management, particularly in preventing overconsumption of calories, aiding in weight management, and ensuring nutritional balance.

Benefits

• Helps maintain a healthy weight
• Promotes better digestion
• Reduces the risk of overeating
• Encourages mindful eating
• Aids in managing blood sugar levels

Examples

• Using smaller plates to control the quantity of food served
• Reading nutrition labels to understand serving sizes
• Pre-portioning snacks instead of eating directly from the package

Additional Information

• Importance: Portion control is particularly important for children and adolescents as it can prevent unhealthy eating habits and support proper growth and development.

Related Terms

• Calorie Counting
• Mindful Eating
• Balanced Diet
• Nutrient Density

References

• Portion Control in Weight Management
• The Importance of Portion Control