I keep seeing people say they can eat 1/4 cup of food or 1/2 cup or 3/4 cup-

does this mean the chewed up version -kind of picturing our stomachs like a mesauring cup!

what does this look like before it's all chewed up and it's on our plates?

this is going to look like a smart ass answer, but it's not.

I measure 1/2 cup of what I'm eating-so it looks like 1/2 cup of food.

no, its just a simple measurement as you would measure anything.

Take out your 1/2 measuring cup........cram your food in it......empty the food out on your plate. WAA LAAAAAAAAAA

also, you can check out WebMD, it has a portion size plate section that shows foods in ounces or in 1/4 cup --1/2 cup. Puts them next to common objects like deck of cards etc....gives you an idea

It looks small. I went online and ordered a few really pretty salad plates. I use those when I eat - makes it look not so small. Good luck!! Becky

Hi:

It definitely looks like more on a smaller plate, in a smaller bowl, and/or with smaller utensils.

It's a silly trick, but if you eat on smaller dishes with a smaller fork or spoon you'll trick your eyes and your tummy into thinking that you are eating more than you did. Eating with smaller utensils slows you down so your stomach gets a chance to send that full signal to your brain.

Best wishes to you.

I love my band!

Sue

I guess my question didn't come out the way I wanted-

I wanted to know if the portions people are always refering to are the chewed up versions or measurement versions because I could chew something to smitherines and eat more than the "measured version" because it is so chewed up- am I making sense? I give up!

I keep seeing people say they can eat 1/4 cup of food or 1/2 cup or 3/4 cup-

does this mean the chewed up version -kind of picturing our stomachs like a mesauring cup!

what does this look like before it's all chewed up and it's on our plates?

I was surprised when I cut up chicken into little bite size pieces and measured it. 1/2 cup was actually quite a bit and I had not been eating more than that amt.

I guess my question didn't come out the way I wanted-

I wanted to know if the portions people are always refering to are the chewed up versions or measurement versions because I could chew something to smitherines and eat more than the "measured version" because it is so chewed up- am I making sense? I give up!

They are the measured amount.

Its the measured amount. I don't think most people chew their food and then spit it out and measure it. *wink*

Its the measured amount. A true half cup serving. Not more due to mastication.

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.

I definately agree with the small plate and bowls. I have a ton of 1/2 cup bowls and I use those for my lunches. When I eat at home I measure and then put on small plat. It takes up more than half of the plate usually. I was suprised at how it looked :crying:

I also agree with using pretty saucers and smaller teaspoons. It really helps with perception.

You can measure a half cup of something, which gets you there . . . but foods are different. A half cup of chopped chicken looks different than a half cup of lettuce. It is just one of those things you get used to over time.

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.

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: