I'm 7 weeks out. Usually I can eat about 1/2 cup of food, so I use that as my standard measure, and I have these little bowls I use that help me portion things properly. I have been able to add a small second item, yesterday a little big of salad with my 1/2 cup of ricotta bake. I made a birthday dinner for my son of lasagna, and I got all the same flavor without the pasta, even browned the cheese on top, let it cook at the same time. I didn't feel I was missing out on anything!