Portion Control and Dieting: A Successful Weight Loss Combination

Dieters are often concerned about the ingredients in foods they eat, menus and diet plans. But a very important part of weight loss that is often overlooked is portion control. Portion control is not difficult to learn and is easy to maintain, yet the impact achieved can be tremendous to your weight loss goals. If learned properly, portion control can make a big difference in the overall success of a weight loss plan.

By utilizing portion control, you can lose weight and still enjoy your favorite foods. The plan is simple: decrease your portion sizes by half. If you are used to eating an entire foot-long sandwich at Subway, cut the portion in half and instead order a six inch sandwich. After eating the sandwich, wait a few minutes and you may learn that you are now full after eating only half of what you usually eat.

If you are eating at a restaurant and portion control is not an option, ask for a to-go box. Most restaurants will be happy to provide a to-go box, even offering to prepare the box for you. The following day you can enjoy your leftovers for lunch and as a side benefit, you will have cut the expense of your meal in half.

Some restaurants offer lunch size portions of their special dishes. Don't be afraid to ask if you can purchase the lunch sized portion during dinner hours.

Portion Control Tips

• Eat slowly and enjoy each bite. If you are racing through a meal, you will have a tendency to over eat.
• Pay attention to how often you eat. You might be surprised at the frequency.
• Be mindful of eating. Monitor your choices. Do not eat standing up, but instead sit at a table and make it a meal.
• Snacking is a dieter's downfall. Keep snacking to a minimum.
• If you are still hungry after eating your smaller portion meal, try drinking a glass of water. It could curb your hunger and make you feel full.

Benefits of Portion Control

Portion control allows you to eat your favorite foods, but in smaller quantities. This minimizes the chance of feeling deprived. The smaller portions lead to natural weight loss and condition your body and metabolism through the reduced portions. More frequent feedings might be necessary, but by keeping the portions under control, your weight loss efforts could be more successful.

By keeping a portion control schedule, you can eat smaller portions of the food you love, enjoy meals more frequently, and never be hungry. If you are looking for a long-term weight loss solution, portion control may be the answer you are looking for.