I went for lunch today and ordered off the "side dish" menu. Linguine with tomatoes, garlic, and basil. This "side dish" was approximately 3 cups of pasta. I ate half and was questioned by the waitress about why I didn't eat it all. I spoke briefly about the growing obesity epidemic in the US and she brushed it aside.
Recommended Portion Size (as indicated by MyPyramid.gov)
3 oz. meat – about the size of a deck of cards: the recommended portion for a meal
½ cup pasta – about the size of a tennis ball
1 oz bagel – about the size of a hockey puck
2.4 oz French fries, approximately 20 shoestring fries
Average Restaurant Portion Size
14 oz. meat – approximately 5 times the recommended amount
Approximately 3 cups pasta – 6 times the recommended amount
4 oz bagel – 4 times the recommended amount
6.9 oz french fries, approximately 50 shoestring fries
For more on our distorted view of portions, go here.
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