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USDA/ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center at Baylor College of Medicine

 
   

   


Do you suffer 'Portion Distortion'?

If you think food portions are bigger than they used to be, you're right. Take a look at how "typical" restaurant portion sizes have grown over the past 20 years or so:

Food

Portion

 

Was

Is Now:

While a 20 oz.soda in now the norm, super-size 46 - 52 oz. sodas are available many palces
Soda

 

6 ounces
(85 calories)

20 ounces
(300 calories)

   

bagels have almost doubled in size -- and calories!
Bagel

 

3-inch diameter
(140 calories)

5 to 6 inches
(350 calories or more)

   

A 'Grab Bag' of chips has as many calories as a simple grilled chicken sandwich.
Chips

 

1 oz. bag
(150 calories)

1.75 oz. "Grab Bag"
(about 260 calories)

   

Supesized pasta portions loaded with creamy sauces can pile on the pounds
Pasta

2 cups
(280 calories without sauce or fat)

4 cups. or more
(560 calories or more without sauce or fat)

   

Supersized burgers loaded with cheese, bacon and sauce can easily top 1,000 calories each
Burger

2 oz. patty + bun
(270 calories)

4 oz. patty +bun
(430 calories)

 

Super-size fries are 7 ounces and about 750 calories!
French Fries

2 ounces
(210 calories)

5 ounces
(540 calories)

   

Healthy portion sizes can seem tiny when served  on a super-sized plate.
Dinner Plate

 

10-inch diameter

12-1/2 inch diameter

   

Before blaming your local restaurateur for your family's growing waistlines, take an honest look at how you "value" dining out experiences. According to the National Restaurant Association's Dinner Decision Making study, most consumers rank portion size as one of the 10 "hallmarks of a great place."

 

Consumer News-- Facts and Answers

 

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