Is portion control part of your weight management plan? If so, how do you discipline yourself? If not, what other methods do you practice?

As often as I can remember, I think back on my day and count the servings of vegetables and fruit I have eaten to see if I am in the 7-9 serving range. My preference is fruit over vegetable. If I creep up 2 lb, I immediately shift to 5 veggie servings and limit fruit to 3 servings/day.
I know I get enough protein every day and consume good fats, nuts and often avocado/olives every day.
Clean out your pantry. Empty it and put back the "good for you" items. Make a shopping list and fill up the pantry and fridge/freezer with new and very nutritious foods.Try new products. Using EW recipes has put many new condiments and food items in our kitchen. I couldn't be without these things now.
Mark a date on your calendar and do the same thing six weeks later. You will be surprised at what you still find that shouldn't be there.
Also, if my weight goes up, the pantry is off limit for snacks and I select fruit/veggies and low fat cheese/yogurt for my snacks.
Take one small step at a time before you move on to the next task.
Remember, many times when we think we are hungry, we just need to rehydrate. Find the way that works for you so you drink more water every day.

My electronic scale is my most used piece of kitchen equipment! I weigh everything. I do find, however, that I cannot give my husband whatever is termed as "one serving". So he gets 2! But he is 6'4", 200 lb, and exercises every day, so he needs the caloric energy. I cook low-fat meals, chicken or fish or a soy meat subs, and lots of veggies and whole grains. So even if he eats a lot, at least it's healthy. Right???

I need portion control. Generally, I freeze things like bread slices, muffins, cookies, leftover chicken breasts, hamburger patties, etc. in single serving portions. That way, when I need someting, I can defrost anything I want and it's just the right "size".

I don't use portion Control and I see that is really not helping me ...I like the idea's I am seeing here ...thanks for posting them...staying healthy great tips...thanks everyone

I think the cleaning out and replenishing of the pantry idea is brilliant as well as eye opening. I try to follow the "Everything in moderation, even moderation" model. Cognizant of my portions as well as the ingredients in my food, I allow myself a bit or more of indulgence… good wine, dark chocolate, fresh whole grain breads, cheese and the list goes on.

I measure. Especially cereal. Some cereals say one serving is 1/4 of a cup. Hardly enough to cover the bottom of the bowl! Now that I'm more aware of this I look at serving size when buying anything. What has surprised me the most is you really can be satisfied with one serving if you take your time, enjoy, than when done walk away. Guilt free.

I agree with Josiep, I measure everything, but I do it in a way that I'm not thinking about it as portion controll. I buy small everything. You know when you are shopping and you see that sale, 4 for a 1.00,and all the fruits are large. well, I dig around just to locate the small ones. I also use small dishes to eat out of. This way whatever I fit onto them, and not over them is more than enough to satisfy me at one time. I make it some kind of a game. Keep it fun, and you won't think you're being short changed.

Hello,

I have found my magic bullet diet. I count points (WW), and I use EW and other recipes, adapting them to the desired number of points. The weight just falls off gradually. I also have the motivation. My problem is that I am on a medication, and have 2 main problems with dieting: The meds make me feel like I am starving when I take them at night. I have to take them. I crave sweets then, and I lack the inhibitions to stop myself. I also get lightheaded during the day if I am both tired and still under the influence from the meds. I have had to go eat a big meal just so I can carry on my duties at work.

I am thinking of using up the extra bonus WW weekly points allowance that I would never before use, and risk losing weight at a snails-pace.

Any other suggestions?

Kathy

A snail's pace can have its benefits. Have you tried having a snack that is a combination of protein, low fat and fiber when you feel that urge to eat to keep in balance?

Staying healthy,

Yes, but all I can find is frozen blueberries, and popcorn,any suggestions

I have to have portion control and haven't yet learned how to "eyeball" the amounts, so I measure and weigh most of the time. When I was trying to drop a few pounds through WW points plan, I lost slowly but steadily and I'm going to continue to write down whatever I eat to keep myself accountable. That's just me.

I like the idea of having your plate three quarters veggies and one quarter protein. And fiber is very important. Also, I never skip breakfast (oatmeal with craisins) or I'll gain weight. Go future!

Just a friendly observation: Both of your isssues mentioned have a "solution" based on food. That is a problem with most people who struggle with weight. Food is used to soothe. Food is a solution. If you can get over that hump and realize what is going on, you'll be on your way. I'm not aware of any medication that requires one to eat sweets or to have a large meal in the middle of the day. Good luck. Weight Watchers is indeed an excellent way to go because its points system makes you accountable and it makes you realize that our food choices add up whether we like it or not. If you observe your slim friends, you'll find they are on the points system whether they know it or not.

quote:

Originally posted by kstars:
Hello,

I have found my magic bullet diet. I count points (WW), and I use EW and other recipes, adapting them to the desired number of points. The weight just falls off gradually. I also have the motivation. My problem is that I am on a medication, and have 2 main problems with dieting: The meds make me feel like I am starving when I take them at night. I have to take them. I crave sweets then, and I lack the inhibitions to stop myself. I also get lightheaded during the day if I am both tired and still under the influence from the meds. I have had to go eat a big meal just so I can carry on my duties at work.

I am thinking of using up the extra bonus WW weekly points allowance that I would never before use, and risk losing weight at a snails-pace.

Any other suggestions?

Kathy

I feel that my best portion control is simply to eat slowly, and stop just before I start to feel full. I also use a small plate instead of a dinner plate. It looks more full that way