Over the last few years our portion sizes of food have gotten bigger; so too have our waistlines. Could there be a relationship between the two? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there is no research that absolutely proves that increased portion sizes cause obesity. However, there are studies that show that controlling portion sizes helps to limit calorie intake. Limiting calorie intake to calorie output is fundamental for weight maintenance.

"Studies show that people, including children, eat more food when served a larger portion" said Dr. Robinson a Nutrition Specialist and Registered Dietitian with Texas AgriLife Extension Service. She went on to say, "It’s better to serve smaller portions and allow second helpings, than to start with a large portion of food. The Nutrition Facts label provides information on serving sizes and can be used as a general guide on how much food to serve."

Nutrition Facts serving sizes for some popular foods are: Corn flakes, one cup; Pasta, one-half cup cooked; Tortilla, one six inch; Potato chips, 15 chips; Tuna noodle casserole, one cup.

To learn more about portion size, and other aspects of nutrition, contact Carolyn McDowell, San Saba County’s Family and Consumer Sciences Texas AgriLife Extension Service for more information about free and reduced cost classes.