Portion Size

Presented by:

Ventura Unified School District, Healthy Schools Project

For information on obesity prevention or food stamps, call 1-888-328-3483.Funded by the USDA's Food Stamp Program, an equal opportunity provider and employer.

1998

Obesity Trends* Among U.S. Adults

BRFSS, 1990, 1998, 2008(*BMI 30, or about 30 lbs. overweight for 5’4” person)

2008

1990

No Data <10% 10%–14% 15%–19% 20%–24% 25%–29% ≥30%

Our bodies need a certain

amount of “FUEL”

to maintain good health.

How do we know what the right amount of food is for our bodies?

• We follow US Dietary Guidelines, which scientists have studied & determined are healthy for most people.

Serving Sizes are based on:

• Activity Level

• Age

• Gender

Being physically active = 60+ minutes per day of moderate to vigorous activity

Serving Sizes & Your Daily Needs

Calorie Range for

Girls

1600 to 2200

Calorie Range for Boys

1800 to 2600

What is a portion?

• A “portion” is the amount we are served and/or the amount of food we put on our own plates

What are the portions like when you go to a

restaurant?

How can we find out what a recommended serving size looks like for different foods?

Let’s take a closer look….

…everyday objects can help us to remember equivalent portion sizes

Recommended Servings per Day

Grains Group

(6 ounces a day)

Vegetable Group

(2 - 3.5 cups a day)

Fruit Group

(1.5-2 cups a day)

Dairy Group

(3 cups a day)

Protein

(5 ounces a day)

Oils

(5-8 teaspoons

each day)

Portion Size Matters!

Portion

• The amount of food for one person

• Eat the recommended portion

• When you go to a restaurant: split a meal, take some home, or order ½ the amount offered

Size• Determine the recommended

size for one portion by reading the Food Label

• Use your “Handy Portions” flyer to train your eyes and brain what a portion is

• Follow the recommended guidelines

What are empty calories?

• Empty calories are the “extra” calories such as solid fats and added sugars

• What are examples of empty calorie foods?

• These foods must be limited and eaten in moderation.

Continue with the Portion Distortion Power Point

Source: National Heart, Lung, and Blood InstituteObesity Education Initiative