Portion Control: A Simple Guide To Getting It Right
A Simple Guide To Portion Control
Everything that we eat, is used as energy by the body.
Whether it is a slice of toast, a chicken casserole or an ice cream, your body breaks down the sugars to use as energy and whatever it doesn't need, it stores as fat. This is why portion control is an important factor in your body positive journey.
How do you know if you are eating too much for your energy expenditure?
Simply put, your clothes will feel tighter and you will feel a little more sluggish.
How do you fix it?
Here at Pepper Hustle, we never emphasise being skinny. We certainly don't encourage maintaining a low body fat percentage as this ultimately brings it's own problems. Long term problems such as hormonal imbalances which can affect your menstrual cycle and general health. We promote feeling good in your own skin, and not comparing yourself to anyone around you. We are all different, different heights, different shapes and different sizes.
There are a number of things you can do
It is important not to starve yourself as your body needs food for energy. It's also not something to beat yourself up about because the mental affect of guilt around food is much worse than the food itself. So, go easy on yourself and if you would like to feel a little better, or need a little help in managing your portion control then here is a handy guide to use when you are dishing up your meals.
Depending on how rigid you want to be there are a few options to follow when addressing portion control:
You can manage your portion control or you can measure your macros - we will cover macros in another post as it will be important for everyone to understand how to do this properly and with proper guidance.
A helpful guide to portion control is this:
When you are dishing up you meals or snacks, use your hand as a guide to manage your portions as follows:
A Rule of Thumb:
- 1 Fist - Starches like rice, pasta and potatoes
- 1 Palm - Meats, fish and poultry
- 1 Cupped Hand - Nuts, seeds and snacks
- 1 Thumb - Hard cheeses and nut butters
- 1 Thumb Tip - Butter and oils
- Stop eating when you are full
- Dehydration is often mistaken as hunger so make sure you drink plenty of water throughout your day
If you follow this simple guide you'll be well on your way to the Body Positive in no time at all.
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