what does 1/2 cup of food look like on a plate

[chocolate_snaps 3]

It actually is a suprising amount of food - I used to insist I ate WAY more than 1/2 cup, but in reality, when I have measured it, I dont. I eat a bit more but not a cup's worth.

another way to do it, which I found just mucking round on the net today is the 5-4-3-2-1 diet plan

Take 5 bites of Protein

4 bites of vegetables

3 bites of wholegrain

2 bites of sweets

1 minute in between each bite.

Just a little thing to remember when you're not in control of your servings. So so simply but so sensible. And of course self adjusting because bandsters have smaller bites.

If you're not having a dessert (and how many of us do?) take an extra Protein and extra vegie bite. Dont fuss too much about Condiments and sauces on the food if you're eating out, and if your meal is a mixed together one - Soup, a stew, a casserole, Pasta dish, then that meal may not be nutritionally perfect but keep it to 14 bites.

Such an easy way to remember Portion Control and healthy choices.

OMG you just made my life soooo much easier! :biggrin:

[Jachut 487]

Its ridiculously simple isnt it?

I've vowed to do this for the next month and see if I cant lose that last 4kg. Its also good incentive to cook dinners that can be easily separated - not like the lasagne I made last night (oops).

[jms462001 9]

I understand what she is saying in a strange kind of way. Not the chewed up part, but the actual measuring part. For example, brussel sprouts. If you put the brussle sprout whole into the 1/2 cup, it is not much. But if you cut them in half, it makes a big difference. So although I don't quite get the "chewed up" part, I do understand how a 1/2 cup can be two different things. Kind of the same things as cutting up the chicken. Or 1/2 cup of canned tuna fish. That is a lot of tuna fish. When you are new this kind of thing can drive you nuts in trying to obey all the rules. I know it did me.

My nutritionist said vegetables are not counted as they are condensed to Water in a blender and the measurement would not be accurate. So, I think we can eat more as long as it's not starchy veggies.