A Hand-y Guide to Food Portions

We are in the middle of National Eating Season. OK, admittedly, it is not a real thing, but you know what I mean: Halloween, Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Kwanza, Christmas, and New Year’s. Those my friends, comprise too many occasions to over-indulge in delicious meals and snacks.

You do not need me to tell you what to eat; by now, you already know what is considered nutritious and what is junk food. However, do you know what is considered a healthy serving size? More to the point, are you really expected to tote measuring cups and measuring spoons to your in-laws on Thanksgiving? Thankfully, we have a couple of fairly accurate measuring devices on our person already: our hands. Indeed, it is true, so here is a “hand-y” (pun intended!) guide to using your hands to give you an approximate of what nutritionists consider to be a serving.

1 Cup = one fist. Use to measure cold cereal, milk, soy milk, whole fruit, or yogurt.

½ Cup = half a fist. Use to measure fruit and vegetables (fresh, frozen, or canned), fruit juice, pasta, legumes, or rice.

¼ Cup = cupped hand. Use to measure dried fruit, nuts, or seeds.

1 teaspoon = tip of your thumb. Use to measure oil, butter, margarine, or mayonnaise.

1 tablespoon = thumb from tip to first (top) joint. Use to measure oil, butter, margarine, or mayonnaise.

Open hand. Use to measure a slice of bread or half a bagel.

3 oz. = palm of hand. Use to measure meat, chicken, or fish.

Two thumbs held side by side, Use to measure cheese, or peanut butter.

Hopefully, making use of these tidbits will enable you to enjoy time spent with friends and family without coming out of this holiday season gaining weight you do not want.

Photo: Pixabay