Keeping Food Portions Under Control

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Super-sizing that fast-food order could be super-sizing health risks, too. New Mexico State University's Anna María Pérez-Wright has more.

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Bigger food portions are becoming the norm, and not just at fast-food restaurants where they offer to super-size your meal. Program coordinator Kari Bachman with New Mexico State University's Cooperative Extension Service says people who think the super-sizing is a bargain may be endangering their health.

"They're probably eating more calories than they need. They may be eating more fat as well, and more sugar. And so it's really challenging to start thinking about portions in a more reasonable way."

To maintain portion control at home, Bachman suggests setting a calm meal-time environment by turning off the television and radio. Use smaller plates and let your family members serve themselves. When eating out, choose a restaurant that serves good food in reasonable-sized portions instead of trying to get the most food for your money.

"Ask the wait person before he or she brings your food to the table to pack up half of your meal into a container and keep it back in the kitchen in the refrigerator. That way you won't be tempted to eat your whole dish at one sitting."

Another technique is to share a main dish and a salad with your dinner companion. Bachman says by doing this, you limit portions and save money at the same time. For N-M-S-U's College of Agriculture and Home Economics, I'm Anna María Pérez-Wright.