In a blog on nutrition published by the Mayo Clinic we are told that portion control is an important factor in both weight loss and a healthy diet. Many people, however, have a poor sense of what constitutes a proper portion (or serving) of many foods. To correct the problem, the blog suggests that people use either food scales or measuring cups. However, when those are not available it helps to have visual clues to help judge proper portions. For instance, three ounces of fish is about the size of a deck of cards; one-half cup of pasta is the size of a hockey puck; one serving of fruit is the approximate size of a tennis ball.
The article pointed out that our appreciation of correct portion sizes has been vastly distorted by the the amount of food served in restaurant meals. The article also suggests that you test yourself by placing what you perceive to be proper portions on a plate or in a bowl. Then transfer your portions to a food scale or measuring cup to see how you did. With a little practice, you can soon learn to serve proper portions for optimum health and weight.
According to an article published yesterday in the Daily Tribune of Columbia, MO, the country’s largest sugar manufacturer has introduced C&H Organic Agave Nectar as a substitute sweetener that can be used in cooking, baking and everyday sweetening. Agave nectar is described as a delicious all natural liquid that comes from the succulent Agave, a cactus-type plant that grows in Mexico. Because agave nectar is natural it has a low glycemic index. Many people have found that foods with a low glycemic index are essential to a healthy diet. The advantages include not only weight loss, but low glycemic index foods also help to keep energy levels balanced, eliminating energy rushes and sugar crashes. Many folks have used