How to Use Your Hand to Measure Portion Sizes

When starting a new diet, portion controls are one of the most difficult things to measure and keep track of. Although your kitchen scale may be in the comfort of your own home, it's not practical to carry around with you all day. Our hands come with us to work, lunches, restaurants, social gatherings and more! This method gives you an easy way to judge a reasonable serving right in the palm of your hand!

Another benefit to this method is that it ensures you are eating portions relative to your body size. Hands are scaled to the individual, bigger people need more food and tend to have bigger hands, therefore larger portions. Smaller people need less food, and tend to have smaller hands, therefore getting smaller portions. 

Why is portion control important in our everyday lives? Whether you want to lose a few pounds or just maintain a healthy weight, eating proper portions is as important as eating the right food. 

Here are some of the many benefits of portion control:

Weight loss.

‍Tracking your portion sizes will help weight loss. Choose balanced meals with proper serving sizes to help cut calories and shed unwanted pounds. Losing weight isn't as simple as only controlling your portion sizes, but when you learn to watch the amount of food you eat, you can begin to practice mindful eating, which can help you make healthier food choices, according to Harvard Health Publishing.

Money back in your pocket.

‍When you eat the recommended serving sizes, you will be able to reduce your grocery shopping. Instead of throwing food to waste or overeating with portion control you will be able to buy the correct amount and save money.

Improved digestion / less bloating.

Many of us have finished a Thanksgiving dinner and suddenly regret eating as much as you did. Once in a while might not be a big deal but regularly eating large portions can be harsh on your digestive system. Your digestive system works best when it is not overloaded. Eliminate bloating and cramping after eating by managing your portions.

Forget the inconvenience of carrying a scale around with you everywhere and learn how to portion your food sizes in the palm of your hand. It’s a healthy habit that will support long-term success!

Here's how it works: