The concept of weight gain and weight loss will always remain the same, irrespective of any new theories on molecular science and diet, blood group diets, fad exercise programs, restrictive diets etc. The fact is that Your body will only use how much it needs of the food you eat for its functions. Anything extra will get stored away, leading to possible fat gain.
If you are very famished, and your only option is a slice of pizza, you should eat it. Your body will break it down for the energy it needs. What it may not be able to do is break down a couple of slices of pizza, with a portion of pasta and a tiramisu. This ultimately brings us to the point of controlling our food portions. How much is enough for our body?
Are We Eating More Than Our Bodies Require?
I would say that only you can tell by being aware. Eating 2-3 Rotis (Cooked plain flat breads) at night or at lunch is probably out of habit. It’s what you have done since you were growing up. But, the situations are different. You ate more when you were probably more active and younger with a quicker metabolism.
Things change. Everything changes, including the way your body works and breaks down food, year on year. What if your body really can do with just 1 roti instead of 3? What if your body can do with a small scoop of ice cream instead of a large or super-sized portion? What if you really don’t need 6 small meals in a day? What if you could still enjoy your dessert or piece of cake, but share it, so you don’t get into a deprivation mode?
Most humans eat more than their bodies require. Especially with the massive choice of culinary delights available, the eye appealing desserts, the way food is plated etc. it works on our minds to a level that we crave it. And that’s OK! I love good food too… who doesn’t?
The problem is, we eat too much of it and there reaches a point when the body does not know what to do with the crazy amounts of food we eat, so when you see your belly/tummy, mid riff, waist start to expand, that’s your body telling you, ‘You are eating too much’ OR ‘You are not exercising sufficiently or you are not using all this excess energy that you are feeding me’
And what takes months or even years to develop into abdominal fat, as humans we always want things to happen for us quickly. Instant gratification. Instant results, and then we get crazy and desperate to lose that tummy, choosing options that can create more harm than good for the other parts of our body. We get into intensive exercises, and damage our knees and backs. We get on crazy diets and lose a little weight along with bone density, and key nutrients.
PORTION CONTROL is difficult, yet the easiest way to lose weight, keep it off. Moreover, it’s a lifestyle change, something that can change this whole obesity epidemic. We all struggle with food. This maybe the solution to eating our favorite food, yet controlling the portions and being fair to our bodies.
Why Do We Need Portion Control?
India needs a portion control plate like it’s there in the US. It is such a simple tool that will teach people how to eat the right quantities, without feeling deprived. It can teach children all about the right portions that they should serve themselves, and I envision families using this portion control plate to serve themselves and build a culture of eating clean and right.
I, in fact, used it for a month, serving myself everyday using this portion plate and at first I thought the quantity was too less but, quickly figured I was eating more than I needed. I used a 1 cup portion serving for a few days and then cut back to a half cup serving at dinner. Like all habits, it took a few days getting used to but, all I can say now is, I am eating lesser for sure and I don’t feel hungry after doing this.
This beats all fat loss pills, which anyways never work. This teaches you to eat the right way and anything that works towards making a shift in your lifestyle, is worth it, is sustainable and is the right way to go. Once you get into the habit of controlling your portions and knowing how much your body really needs, you then begin to automatically apply the same when you eat out.
You can try this simple yet effective tool to change the way you eat and control or lose weight. Moreover, using this will ensure you eat a balanced meal of carbs, protein, fats and veggies.
We hope this article on portion control helps you! To know more about portion control, check out Healthy Reads or ask a GOQii Coach directly by subscribing to Personalised Health Coaching here.
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Lunch is a very crucial hour of our daily routine because it makes us realise that half of the day has gone and we need to eat something now. It also gives us energy for the other half of the day. Lunch raises the blood sugar levels in the middle of the day, helping one maintain focus for the rest of the afternoon. For kids, lunch is even more important because this is when they get their vitamins and nutrients for the day.
