Today's Tip: Practice Automatic Portion Control

Portion control is key to long-term weight management, however it's difficult for most of us to practice. We tend to eat much more than we realize, but who wants to carry around a measuring cup? Not me! These easy pointers will help you practice "automatic" portion control.

First up, check the label on the food you are about to eat to see what a serving size is. For example, a serving of many cereals is one cup. Then, you can easily estimate the portion size of some foods as follows:

• 1 fist = 1 cup

  Use this to measure a serving size of cereal, rice, and pasta, as well as produce.

• 1 palm = 3 oz. meat

  A palm is equivlent to a three-ounce serving of meat, fish, or poultry.

• Thumb = 1 oz. of cheese

  Low-fat cheese is a good source of lean protein, but it should be enjoyed in moderation.

• Tennis ball = a cup of fruit

  Apples or peaches should look approximately the same size of a tennis ball. Tip: You should eat at least two "tennis balls" of fruit per day!

  For more easy ways to practice portion control, see:
  10 Ways to Control Portions
  Portion Control Secrets

  Previous Daily Tips:
  Feel Full to Prevent Overeating
  Cut Cooking Fat