Portion size...who has control?

5kgLifter · 02-05-2009, 07:35 PM

Although we make feel like we have ultimatle control over what we eat, do we really? I purchased a tub of foodstuffs some time ago now and made it up as stated in the instructions, only to stand thinking 'This doesn't look right.' since we'd used the product before. Fortunately we had an empty container which we used for birdseed, so I checked the instructions on both containers, and soon realised that the newer container was using larger portions than the older one. It could be argued that we can decide how much we consume, but when a product says '1 portion' is a set amount, we assume they know what's best, or more to the point what is correct. A youngster, or a person using the product for the first time would not know that it was originally a smaller portion that was specified for an individual, so they are both at a disadvantage, in that sense. Youngsters may also be growing up being given larger portions than we were given as youngsters, and so to them this is a normal size portion...and the governments, as well as others, wonder why their is an obesity epidemic across most of the world today. The following may help to reinforce my points above:

"Reports have been published stating that serving sizes in restaurants are 2 to 5 times larger that when they first became available. Twenty years ago the calories in a cheeseburger were around 325, today many of the burgers are much larger and have over 600 calories. The largest size of popcorn was about 275 calories, the largest tub today is about 625. Pizza slices have gotten bigger. Twenty years ago, two slices were about 500 calories, now the larger slices are around 850. Original soft drinks came in 8 ounce sizes at about 100 calories per bottle. Today, much larger sizes are available. A 20 ounce bottle of Coke has 242 calories. Studies show that Americans are consuming about 10% more calories than they did in 1970. which is about an extra 200 calories per day or 20 pounds per year."

From: How Food Portion Sizes in Restaurants, Coffee Shops and Convenience Stores Have Changed Over the Years

WolfLady · 02-07-2009, 01:07 AM

That's why I eat at home and frequently use my kitchen scales!

LT9Tonya · 02-07-2009, 03:26 AM

1st- what is "foodstuffs"?
2nd-
Totally agree! I take what the package says is a serving and divide it in half. For example- a bag of frozen veggies says a serving size is 2/3 of a cup- I eat a 1/3. It is cutting the calories in half too, but when you take and measure the serving size out according to the package directions it looks huge! I mean mashed potatoes say on the box, (yes I cheat and do instant sometimes), that a serving size is 1/2 a cup! A half a cup! By taking the extra time to measure out my food it has given me a great tool to use when I go out too. I know what 4 oz of chicken breast looks like, I know what 1/4 cup food looks like. I could never use the visual aid of "a serving of meat is the size of a deck of cards". I couldn't visualize that. But now I can look at a chicken breast and guess 4oz, I still weigh it just to be sure but more often than not I am dead on.

5kgLifter · 02-09-2009, 11:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LT9Tonya

1st- what is "foodstuffs"?
2nd-
Totally agree! I take what the package says is a serving and divide it in half. For example- a bag of frozen veggies says a serving size is 2/3 of a cup- I eat a 1/3. It is cutting the calories in half too, but when you take and measure the serving size out according to the package directions it looks huge! I mean mashed potatoes say on the box, (yes I cheat and do instant sometimes), that a serving size is 1/2 a cup! A half a cup! By taking the extra time to measure out my food it has given me a great tool to use when I go out too. I know what 4 oz of chicken breast looks like, I know what 1/4 cup food looks like. I could never use the visual aid of "a serving of meat is the size of a deck of cards". I couldn't visualize that. But now I can look at a chicken breast and guess 4oz, I still weigh it just to be sure but more often than not I am dead on.

Oh, I just used the term 'foodstuffs' to try and generalise a food, but on this occasion it was Smash (potato), as you say they are huge portions, they used to give 20 portions in a container, and I think you're lucky to get 12 out of it now, which just goes to show how much they want you to increase your portions just so that you need to buy twice as much of the product. BUt mostly this appears to be happening with a good deal of products in the supermarkets.

SnowInJuly · 02-09-2009, 06:05 PM

You are all right! The portion sizes have gotten a lot bigger. I have to admit sometimes I cheat and satisfy my craving for biscuits. Before, a pack contained about 7 biscuits, now the same pack contains 10!

5kgLifter · 02-09-2009, 08:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SnowInJuly

You are all right! The portion sizes have gotten a lot bigger. I have to admit sometimes I cheat and satisfy my craving for biscuits. Before, a pack contained about 7 biscuits, now the same pack contains 10!

I used to think it was just a problem restricted solely to the western areas of the world, but it is amazing and saddening to see it occurring everywhere.

FitEquip · 02-10-2009, 08:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 5kgLifter

I used to think it was just a problem restricted solely to the western areas of the world, but it is amazing and saddening to see it occurring everywhere.

Is it true that in the states - they call it - "un-restricted amount of refills"?

5kgLifter · 02-10-2009, 06:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FitEquip

Is it true that in the states - they call it - "un-restricted amount of refills"?

I see that with coffee, portrayed in films, but I'm not sure if that happens with all products at cafes etc in the USA.