Portion Control Plates

Many experts believe that portion control and, by effect, calorie control, is vital to healthy weight loss, and portion control plates make this a bit easier.

Perfect Portion plates

If you've eaten at a restaurant in the last few years, then you know that our serving sizes have grown tremendously. According to the Department of Health and Human Services, a "normal" sized Caesar salad was 1.5 cups and 390 calories 20 years ago, while a "regular" serving of Caesar salad today weighs in at a hefty 3 cups and 790 calories.

Perhaps this would not be so problematic if we only ate out periodically, but many of us dine away from home on a daily or weekly basis. Additionally, we've taken what the National Institutes of Health dubs "portion distortion" home. Many of us no longer recognize a normal serving size and inadvertantly eat twice, or more, of the recommended amount. As the calories add up, so to the pounds.

Nutritionists and doctors often suggest that dieters "eyeball" portion sizes, with a serving of lean protein equal to deck of cards equal or the palm of the hand equal. While this method works in theory, it makes it too easy for some people to over-estimate, cheat, or forget. Others suggest that dieters use a smaller plate. This can help dieters eat less overall, but it does little to ensure that they are eating the proper amounts of each food.

The makers of portion control plates take the guesswork out of portion control. They realize that people are visual-- and emotional-- creatures, and diet plates appeal to both sides. The plates are smaller than traditional plates, allowing the eye to "think" it's seeing more food than it actually is. True portion control plates are also divided, allowing dieters to see at a glance just how much of each food they should be eating. Actual divisions vary depending on the diet or dietary guidelines being addressed. Healthy Plates, for example, follow the eating recommendations of the Department of Health and Human Services and divide the plates into three sections: 1/2 fruits and vegetables, 1/4 whole grains, and 1/4 lean protein.

In our increasingly obese society, the availability of portion control plates is on the rise. Here are just a few of the plates currently on the market.

Healthy Plates portion control plates are the perfect tool in determining portions based on the recommended serving size set by the USDA. Our decorative designs allow you to enjoy healthy portions without eating off a plastic or clinical looking plate. Each plate section is divided by beautiful hand created artwork, which transforms these plates into much more than a portion plate used for dietary purposes only, they're a great confidence booster to anyone on a weight program. Portion control plates are great for the entire family and are available in 3 designs, our original, "The" Healthy Plate, Leaf Plate and Daisy Plate.

The goal of Healthy Plates portion control plates are to encourage and not discourage. Check out our portion control plates and see the difference yourself.

The Portion Doctor website is dedicated to educating consumers on safe, healthy portion sizes. Portion Doctor offers books on proper portions and portion control eating utensils, including plates, bowls, water bottles, and glasses. Plates are available in the 8" lunch size and the 10" dinner size.

Complete kits are also available for the following groups:

• Bariatric patients
• Diabetics
• Children

The Diet Plate is a UK-based company offering attractive, decorative portion control plates. The earthenware plates are decorated with motivational sayings in soothing colors. Food group divisions are made by beautiful, inobtrusive decorations directly on the plate, instead of raised compartments. To use plates by the Diet Plate, simply add lean protein and starchy carbohydrates in the amounts specified on the plate. Then, add unlimited amounts of vegetables and salad. The plate even has special sections for sauce and cheese if you desire to dress your meal a bit. The result is a pleasingly full plate and healthy amount of balanced calories.

Separate plates are available for men and women, and the site proclaims the dishes safe for diabetics. Breakfast bowls and family kits are also available.

The Perfect Portions plate was developed by a dietician and featured in Prevention magazine. The plates are designed to hold 500 calories. The plates are simple and plain in design, with removable portion control disks in the following menus:

• American
• Chinese
• Italian
• Mexican
• Seafood
• Heart Disease
• Diabetes
• Children

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