Not knowing this can make you fat

Think you know what a serving size is?

Most people’s idea of what constitutes a serving size is vastly, well, oversized.

Americans’ food intake has certainly changed over the past several decades. According to The American Diet by Dr. Stephan Guyenet, we are eating 20-25 percent more calories today than we did in 1970.

Plate size and portion size are two of the culprits to our expanding waistlines.

“Portion size is often confused with serving size, but they differ,” says Dr. Jacqueline Brom, a family medicine physician with Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge, Ill.

“Portion size is the amount of food you choose to eat at any one time, which may be more or less than a serving, and is often dictated by the size of your plate or bowl,” says Dr. Brom.

A serving size, however, is the amount of food listed on a product’s Nutrition Facts label.

“Serving size often requires you to measure out your food. For instance, a serving of breakfast cereal is typically a half cup or one cup. But, when people eyeball a serving size, or use their bowl as a guide, they often end up pouring two or even three times more,” says Dr. Brom.

The food and restaurant industries have not made it easy to know what a proper serving size looks like as portion sizes have grown dramatically over time. “When you go out to eat, it’s a safe bet to assume you should ask that half go immediately into a to-go bag. A kid’s meal today is often the size of an adult meal a few decades ago,” says Dr. Brom.

How much has food today been supersized? Here are some examples from 20 years ago vs. today, according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute:

Not only are you taking in more calories, but you are consuming more sugar and fat simultaneously, all of which can contribute to obesity and chronic health issues.

If you are having trouble losing or maintaining your weight as you age, start paying attention to serving sizes – you will likely be very surprised.

Dr. Brom says as we age, we need fewer calories because our lean muscle mass declines, which results in a slowing metabolism and less energy expended to burn calories. If you keep eating the same in your 40s and 50s as you did in your 20s and 30s, the excess energy (aka calories) is converted to fat.

Of course, this varies per person depending on physical activity, genetics and gender; however, she says women generally burn 75-150 fewer calories per day with each passing decade from their 30s to age 70, while men burn about 100-200 fewer calories per day with each decade of aging.

“You still need the same nutrients (like protein, fruits, vegetables and fiber) as you age, but you need fewer calories each passing decade, which means there is a greater need for calories that keep you full longer and less wiggle room for discretionary or empty calories, like chips, dessert and alcohol,” says Dr. Brom.

To help prevent gradual weight gain, Dr. Brom advises the following:

1. Serve proper measured servings instead of eating family style or buffet style.
2. When dining out, skip the bread basket and appetizers and split meals with a friend, take half to go or ask for a half-portion.
3. If you are pressed for time and find yourself at a fast food restaurant, order a kid’s meal.
4. Measure out snacks; don’t eat straight from the package.
5. Use smaller plates and bowls – for instance, use a salad plate for each meal instead of a dinner plate.
6. Track your caloric intake by using a food diary.
7. Stay as active as possible.
8. Incorporate regular resistance training to help preserve muscle mass.
9. Get the recommended amount of sleep, usually 7-9 hours a night.
10. Drink plenty of water and eliminate or reduce liquid calories, including diet sodas.

To determine how many calories you need, use a calorie intake calculator or talk to your primary care physician or to a registered dietitian.