Portion Control...size matters!Personally, I’m a real fan of portion control and counting food portions as opposed to counting calories. Others feel more comfortable counting calories. Losing belly fat shouldn’t become complicated and overly detailed. Once you understand portion control and can eyeball food portions, it becomes almost second nature. You won’t have to worry about counting calories or memorizing how many calories are in all the foods you eat daily. Most women love the simplicity of counting food portions once they try it and have no trouble losing belly fat just by paying attention to their portion sizes. I encourage you to try it. You may find it more convenient than counting calories, especially when eating out where you have less control over how many calories your favorite meal contains. Regardless of the tracking method you use, in the end, any weight loss plan that doesn’t take portion control into account is destined to fail. You can eat the healthiest foods in the world, but if your portion sizes are out of whack you’ll be taking in more calories than your body can use and those excess calories will be headed for fat storage. Making portion control easy The foundation of a healthy diet plan entails keeping track of your portion sizes and eating the right amount of servings each day based on how many calories you need to lose belly fat. I practice food combining as well to encourage maximum fat burning throughout the day. When counting food portions you’ll need to understand how to eyeball correct sizes as well. Here’s how I do food portions and portion control A good rule of thumb that I use when I’m having my first two or three meals of the day is to eat a portion of carbs no bigger than my clenched fist and a portion of protein no bigger than the palm of my hand. I also count 1 slice of whole grain bread, ½ medium sized whole grain pita OR 2 slices of Ezekiel bread (sprouted whole grain bread) as one portion. These type of carbohydrates (along with starchy vegetables and fruits) are usually eaten early in the day, when I have lots of time to use them up for energy. On an average day I try to eat 4-6 ‘mini’ meals every two to three hours consisting of a protein portion and a carbohydrate portion. Within at least two or three of those meals, I also include non-starchy green vegetables and/or a salad, which are basically ‘free’ foods. For evening meals, I eat unsaturated fats and proteins in the form of or fish, chicken breast, or lean beef and oils and avoid any starchy carbohydrates or fruits. In total, that’s about 6 protein portions and 6 carbohydrate portions daily – that’s what I generally aim for. Follow the Food Portion Size Guide below For example, 1 cup of vegetables is equivalent to the size of your clenched fist. FOOD PORTION SIZE GUIDESize = 1 Portion = Food Clenched Fist = 1 cup = Vegetables or Fruit
Palm = 4 oz. = Meat, Fish or Poultry 1 Level Handful = ½ cup = Rice/Pasta Thumb size = 1-2 oz. = Cheese, Peanut butter Thumb tip = 1 teaspoon = Cooking Oil Once you learn to eyeball your food portions, you’ll want to take a good look at the portion sizes you’re presently eating. Chances are, you may be eating too much and you didn’t even know it! If you’re counting calories be sure to read food labels for proper portion sizes and how many calories are contained in a serving. Quick Weight Loss Tips: Go plate shopping! Downsize your meals by eating off a smaller plate. Proper Food Combining Tips - 12 Food Combinations To Help Increase Metabolism Proper food combining is one of the best ways to increase metabolism. Here’s 12 food combinations and proper food combining tips to help you lose belly fat.
8 Strategies to Help You Stick To a Healthy Eating Plan 8 quick weight loss strategies to help you stick to a healthy eating plan without giving up the foods you love.
The Fad Diet - 3 Fatal Flaws of Fad Diets Good bye Belly Fat Loss – Hello Belly Fat! A Fad Diet promises effortless and instant weight loss but at what cost? Fad diets are not your friend! Three fatal flaws of the fad diet and how to spot them.
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