The first post we brought you about the explosion in portion sizes was such a hit, we went back for seconds. Check out some of these popular foods and see how much bigger they are now than they were 20 years ago.
20 years ago: an 8 ounce cup of coffee (with whole milk and sugar) had 45 calories
Today’s portion: a 16 ounce cup of Mocha Coffee (with steamed whole milk and mocha syrup) has 350 calories
20 years ago: a blueberry muffin was 1.5 ounces and had 210 calories
Today’s portion: 5 ounces with 500 calories
20 years ago: 2 large slices of pepperoni pizza had 500 calories
Today’s portion: 850 calories
20 years ago: a Caesar salad with chicken was 1-1/2 cups and had 390 calories
Today’s portion: 3 cups, and it has about 790 calories
When you look at these pictures, which are from the National Institutes of Health, you can really see how all the extra calories can add up to the obesity rates we are struggling with now in this country.
What do you think of the difference in calories over the years?
Portion sizes are one of my pet peeves. I need to learn more about the business model for owning a restaurant. It would seem to me that serving smaller portions at lower prices would get more people eating meals out, which would translate to the same or greater profits for restaurants. That must not be how it works.
Is it just me, or does that pepperoni pizza look especially scrumptious?
Cammy – You make an interesting point about the business model at restaurants.
Personally, I do not like pepperoni pizza, so no – it does not look especially scrumptious.
Wow, portions sizes have grown…and hmmm…so have people!
And I’m with Cammy – that pizza sure does look scrumptious!
Lance – portions and people are both bigger – coincidence?
Wow is right! Those pics. alone are quite the eye opener.
Mark – eyes must be WIDE open to see the huge portions.
I don’t need to see the explosion in portion size, I see the explosion in people size
Dr. J – It’s going to get better, right?
I have noticed that the portion sizes have grown.
Also, I have noticed that clothing sizes have grown. I used to wear size Large shirts, which fit just right. Last fall, I bought a size Large shirt and it seemed as if I was swimming in it! The sleeve length was the same as shirts I had purchased before, but the chest area was more like a size Extra Large or 2XL! I returned it (thinking it was perhaps mislabeled) to the store, but this time I tried on another shirt (same brand, same size). Also, too big. Guess the manufacturer did not want to hurt anyone’s feelings about putting on the extra pounds (“See, honey. I can still wear a size Large shirt”.) Suppose that means I can now wear a size Medium. Back to portion sizes: Have you ever noticed the number of servings on a bag of microwave popcorn?
George – Yes, I have noticed the size thing in clothing, too! I’m not sure it’s such a good idea. And yes, I have noticed the number of servings in microwave popcorn. Glad you are paying attention, too!
SO SCARY isn’t it? We have to re-learn how to eat again!
Sagan – I know!