portions are out of control!

Portion sizes for meats, starches, and desserts have quadrupled in the past 20 years. Between 1984 and 2000, there was a greater than 15 percent increase in the average daily caloric intake per person in the United States. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that Americans are consuming 10% more than they did in 1970′s.  Given that there has been no change in physical activity, this 10% increase equates to around 200 extra calories a day, 1,400 a week or roughly 20 pounds a year.  Check out the list below.  Are you one of the victims of portion distortion?

• The USDA serving size for a cookie is 1/2 oz.  The average cookie today, 700 percent larger
• Twenty years ago, the average cup of coffee was 8 oz, 95 calories with milk and sugar.  Todays coffee increased to 16 oz and over 350 calories.  One coffee at Star Bucks Frappuccino is 580 calories!
• In 1957 the average fast food burger was 1 oz, 210 calories. Today, it’s 6 oz and 620 calories.
• A medium popcorn in the 1950′s was 3 cups. Today, it’s now 16 cups and 900 calories.
• In 1986, two slices of pizza were 500 calories. Today, it’s now over 850 calories
• The average serving size of pasta in a restaurant is 5 times greater than the 1-cup recommended amount.
• 20 years ago the average bagel was 3 inches across and 140 calories. Today, it’s doubled in size and 500 calories. And thats without the cream cheese.
• 20 years ago the average soda was 6 oz, 85 calories. Today you can upgrade to a 64 oz BIG GULP for only 10 cents.  This amazing deal just costed you over 750 calories.

Bottom line, we are serving too much and need to start thinking about downsizing instead of super-sizing.  Foods should be about quality and not quantity.  Start making conscious decisions about what you are eating through out the day/weeks and months or otherwise that 20 pounds will creep up on you!