The first helping of explosions in portion sizes wasn’t quite enough, so we went back for seconds. Now, here’s a third round. Check out some of these popular foods and see how much bigger they are now than they were 20 years ago.
20 years ago: a box of popcorn had 270 calories
Today’s portion: a tub has 630 calories
20 years ago: a slice of cheesecake was 260 calories
Today’s portion: a large piece of cheesecake has about 640 calories
20 years ago: a chocolate chip cookies was 1-1/2 inches in diameter and had 55 calories
Today’s portion: a large cookie has about 275 calories
20 years ago: chicken stir fry was 2 cups, and had 435 calories
Today’s portion: 865 calories
I am aware that portions have gotten a lot bigger over the years, but actually seeing the difference still blows me away! How about you?
Source: National Institutes of Health
WOWZA! Eye opener!
I am good at realizing most meals served at restaurants are bigger than I need but I’m not always good at controlling myself when it’s put in front of me.
I have kind of a reverse problem. I know what today’s restaurant portions are and stay clear of most of them. But then when I’m at a party or event and am offered a cheesecake “bite” or something reasonably sized, I think of the calories in terms of restaurant portions. A bite or two of cheesecake is NOT 600 calories, but I sometimes feel as though it is and imagine myself gaining 100 pounds by the next day. It doesn’t happen often, but frequently enough to spoil a good splurge-ette.
That is really so sad.
Then they wonder why the typical american is so overweight!!!
I think there are three ways to deal with portion size at restaurants. 1) order appetizers instead of main courses 2) share orders 3) go to really expensive restaurants, they always serve small portions
I really don’t eat out much so.. but if I do, I usually order a side of veggies & maybe bring my own protein or have it before hand. The portion sizes are crazy except, yes, as Dr. J said, in the fancy restaurants where they charge you a lot for a little!
As for that cookie, that size looks like my weekend cookie treat & I don’t apologize for it!
Honestly, it is a treat. People that do this on a regular basis are asking for trouble!
Wow – Clean Plate Club has a whole new concern
When I go out to eat, I ask the waitress to bring the to go box before I ever dig in. I realistically portion off what I’m going to eat and box the rest. There’s always enough for two or three meals at most restaurants. No matter how much I would love to blame the restaurants or the food service industry (and they aren’t helping for sure), it’s up to me to get control of what goes into my mouth.