NEW CASTLE —
So, as I stated last week, I am trying to eat better and exercise regularly.
Over the weekend, I attended the Bridal Fair and Women's Expo at the Scottish Rite Cathedral. While at the event, I picked up a "pocket pal" pamphlet on food portions as well as a portion measuring cup from Jameson Health System.
It got me thinking how exaggerated portions are at restaurants, especially within the fast-food industry. When did super-size become the standard size? I know that a small drink at Wendy's is now the size of what used to be a medium.
I think we all recognize that fast-food portions are out of control, so how about foods that don't come from a drive-thru window? How much should we be eating?
Did you know that the recommended portion of cereal is only 1 cup and that 1 cup is only about the size of your fist?
I bet a lot of us, me included, eat more than 1 cup (1 serving as per my Special K box) of cereal at breakfast but don't take the time to consider how that changes those nutrition numbers on the side of the box. I always compare nutrition facts on products, but when it comes time to eat, I don't think I pay enough attention to serving size or recommended portions. Notice though, serving size is not always recommended portion size.
The Food Network recently featured tips for determining portion size on its website. For instance, the recommended portion of meat at a meal is 3 ounces, and 3 ounces is about the size of a deck of cards.
A recommended portion of pasta is 1 cup and about the size of a tennis ball (or again, close to the size of your fist). I definitely eat more pasta than 1 cup, which is around 200 calories cooked without added salt. I probably could fill up on only 1 cup, but when there is more on my plate, I tend to eat it.
For more portion size tips, visit http://www.foodnetwork.com/healthy_eating/8-tips-perfect-portion-sizes/pictures/index.html or http://kidshealth.org/parent/nutrition_center/healthy_eating/portions.html#.
I have a lot to learn when it comes to nutrition, but I plan to spend more time considering what I put in my body and how much. After all, I get only one body, so I better take care of it.
And a little announcement for those who didn't attend the bridal fair: The Jameson "Run for Your Heart" 5k/10k will take place on July 14. If you would like more information, visit http://jamesonhealth.org/runforyourheart.
Here's to getting healthy!
News Bloggers
Related Photos
-
About Courtney Caughey: Courtney is a photo correspondent and a writing contributor to The News. Her “Food for Thought” blog will appear each Wednesday and Saturday.
Discussion
Courtney Caughey: Geez, I didn’t realize ‘portions’ are so small
- News Bloggers
-
-
Lisa Madras: How much do you know about Memorial Day’s rich tradition?
It's Memorial Day today, so, with my blog running on Mondays, I sort of get the short end of the stick on these holidays. It's cool though. I'm more than happy to take a little hiatus from complaining about my problems to pay homage to the men and women who gave their lives to protect our freedoms, including the right that I have to get on here each week and express my views.
-
Josh Drespling: Feeling entitled? It’s time to ‘man up’
Why is it that we all feel entitled? Every turn of the proverbial corner I encounter another segment of our egotistical population that feel they are deserving of specialized treatment.
-
Gary Church: Stop by and visit my gravesite — I’ll catch up with you later
When I worked at the greenhouse, I would go out of my way to please a customer. Sometimes, they would show their appreciation by bringing in a dozen donuts or a pie or two. One gift I received really caught me off guard.
-
Tim Kolodziej: Create a new habit and you’ll acquire a skill
The bad news: Research shows good habits take about three weeks to develop. The good news: Once you develop a good habit, they are as hard to break as bad habits. The key is, you’ve got to start. Somewhere.
-
Courtney Caughey: To busy for a full meal? Try some grab-and-go foods
We've all been there. Life gets in the way of taking the time to stop and eat. I know I get cranky when I haven't eaten and, if I go too long without nourishment, I can't concentrate. But, what if we really can't take the time to enjoy a full meal?
-
Gary Church: Where’s the clutch? And in a related matter, what’s a blog?
When starting a new job, it is customary to go through a training period. Unfortunately, when I started my first job at Welker’s Greenhouse, they did not practice this custom.
-
Lisa Madras: Believe it or not, there are reasons to smile today
What makes you smile? Some days, you just wake up with a smile on your face. The birds are chirping, the sun is shining, Prince (or Princess) Charming has ventured out of your warm, snuggly nest early to put on some coffee and cook you buttery, heart-shaped pancakes, delivered to your bed with a loving gaze and a single, long-stemmed red rose in a crystal vase.
-
Josh Drespling: Good diet/bad diet?
I've been trying diligently to eat right and make healthier choices in what I eat and put into my body. I'm now the guy at the grocery store who reads every label. You know, the guy with his buggy in the way while you’re trying to get in and get out.
-
Gary Church: I know what you’re thinking, but I didn’t become a great guy overnight — really.
Learning to adapt has played a big role in my 37 years of successful marriage. At night, when my wife takes all of the covers and leaves me with only enough to cover half of my body, I adapt. I keep one half of my body warm for a while, then I roll over and get the other half warm.
-
Tim Kolodziej: Struggling? Remember, even ‘regular china’ can sparkle
Ever wish you were bigger, faster, smarter, prettier ... go ahead, pick an “er.” Any “er.” Chances are, the guy sitting next to you at school or the girl in your office feels the same way. That’s because all of us, in a sense, are “regular china.”
- More News Bloggers Headlines
-
