If you were to say that portion sizes in U.S. restaurants are too big and that people are getting accustomed to eating more and more, you would probably get a lot of people to agree with you. But if you ask adults what is a healthy portion size for a child in preschool, they might not be able to answer. And the lack of knowledge about how much an adult should eat carries over to children: parents are not sure how much their children need to eat either.
One dietary export told the Appleton Post-Crescent that at an early are children are naturally able to stop eating when they are full but parental influence can get in the way to this natural ability. The article includes an online guide for parents to see just how much food children need at certain ages. However, we know that everyone may not have the time to measure their child's food in ounces. Even if you don't measure, you can use these tips to help your family eat less.
- Keep a food diary and record what you eat for a week. You can compare portion sizes to the guide from www.choosemyplate.gov
- Sit down when you eat because they may help you to eat less.
- Chew each bite of food at least 20 times. This will slow you down and help you to recognize when you feel full.
- Use smaller plates and bowls.
- Drink a glass of water about twenty minutes before a meal and drink as you eat. This will help you feel full. (If you don't allow your children to drink during meals, at leaf try to have them drink before a meal.)
- Remember your kids follow you, so if you overeat, it is likely that they will too.
