Portion Distortion
Bigger is not always better. Maintaining a healthy weight means eating the right foods in the right amounts.
Obesity in America has reached epidemic proportions; nearly 59 million adults are obese. Moreover, the epidemic is not limited to adults: the percentage of young people who are overweight has more than doubled in the last 20 years. Of children and adolescents aged 6-19 years, 15%-about 9 million young people-are considered overweight. In Utah, 1 out of every 4 children is overweight. People who are overweight are at increased risk for heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis-related disabilities and some cancers. The estimated annual cost of treating health problems caused by obesity and overweight in the United States in 2000 was about $117 billion. Regular physical activity and eating healthy foods in reasonable amounts, as well as creating an environment that supports these behaviors at home, at work and at school, are essential to reducing this epidemic of obesity. |
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One of the problems we face today is that we are confronted with huge portions in almost every eating situation. As a result, we have come to view these huge portions as normal or a great value. They are not. One solution to help is The Portion Plate.
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The Portion Plate is an actual melamine, dishwasher-safe plate that offers a tangible demonstration of how much food we should eat. Not only are the plate's illustrated portion areas a good guide to follow, but the make up of a good meal is also presented. This means 1/2 of your plate should be fruits and vegetables, 1/4 of your plate whole grains and the remaining 1/4 lean protein. |
Read more facts about Portion Distortion in America.
Check out this simple guide to portion sizes or take the Portion Distortion Quiz.
Source: http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/aag/aag_dnpa.htm
