Research shows that people often think they are eating smaller portions than they really are. This can make it hard to eat healthy. A study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that many people underestimate how many calories they consume by as much as 50%. This problem is worse when they are eating high-calorie foods, which can make them feel like they are following a good diet when they might not be.

Understanding Portion Sizes:

• Standard Serving Sizes: MyPlate, a guide from the USDA, suggests these amounts for healthy eating:

  • Fruits: 1 cup
  • Vegetables: 1 cup
  • Grains: 1 ounce (for dry grains)
  • Protein: 3 ounces
  • Dairy: 1 cup

• What’s Really Happening: In reality, the portion sizes at restaurants have gotten way bigger. A typical meal can have about 1,300 calories, which is much more than what is recommended.

Some Eye-Opening Facts:

• Inaccurate Estimates: The National Institutes of Health says that almost 70% of adults guess portion sizes wrong.
• Not Paying Attention: About 90% of people don’t keep track of how much they eat correctly, which can lead to an extra 300-500 calories each day.

To help everyone eat healthier, it's really important to teach people about the right portion sizes for a balanced diet.