How Big Is Your Plate?

To lose weight properly, we know we have to eat the right amount of foods in proper to support our lifestyle, regular exercise and physical activities.

The problem is that the portion size for packaged foods have increased since 1970s. The foods servved in restaurants also have bigger portions now than before. As we tend to eat out more often, it's no wonder that it's getting tough to get slim.

As a result, we're eating more than we can burn off. Weight gain becomes inevitable.

Eating less is not necessarily the solution, either. If you stay starved or in hunger state for too long, you're prone to eat whatever in sight. Food temptation in modern world is just too much to ignore.

Here is what you can do:

1. Keep a food journal
People tend to underestimate what they eat. Keeping a food journal helps you be aware of what you eat and hold yourself accountable. According to a study, keeping a food log helped subjects lose 3.5 more pounds than subjects that didn't keep the log.

2. Have a smaller plate
If you use a smaller plate or bowl, you'll fill up less amount of food at every meal. It will help you eat less (or the right amount). Pay attention to the recommended porition size. For example, one serving of rice is half a cup; not a full cup. That's 100 calorie difference!

3. Shop Around Restaurant
Restaurant foods tend to have big portions and loaded with fat, salt or sugar. It's easy to take in over 1000 calories in a regular dinner meal. Ask the meat be boiled, grilled. Put the salad dressings on the side. Dip with fork, not to pour the dressings over the salad.