|
|
 Watching
portion size is just as important as the foods you choose to eat when trying to
reduce your blood cholesterol level and maintain a healthy weight. Eating too
much of even a low fat food can add unwanted saturated fat, cholesterol, and
calories to your diet. Use these examples of everyday items to estimate portion
sizes.
| Food
Groups |
One
Serving Size Equals... |
| Breads, Cereals, Rice,
Pasta, and other Grains Group
|
- 1 slice bread or 1/2 bagel the size of a hockey puck.
- 1/2 cup cooked rice equals a cupcake wrapper.
- 1/2 cup pasta equals an ice cream scoop.
|
| Fruit and Vegetable
Groups
|
- One fruit and vegetable serving is equal to one piece the size of a tennis
ball or 1/2 cup the size of a light bulb.
|
| Meat, Chicken, Fish, Dry
Beans and Peas, Eggs, and Nuts Group
|
- 3 ounces lean meat, chicken, or fish measures up to a deck of cards or a
check book.
|
| Dairy Group
|
- 1 ounce cheese equals about 4 dice.
|
| Fats, Oils, and Sweets
Group
|
- Use sparingly. For a teaspoon of fat, look to the tip of your thumb.
|
This tipsheet is adapted from American Dietetic Association, Eat Right
Minute Nutrition Tip of the Day located at www.eatright.org
NHLBI Home Page
|
NCEP Home
Page | NIH Home
Page
|
