A lack of portion control is one of the main reasons people are overweight. Here is a foolproof guide to serving sizes - using just your hand.
Fist = carbs and fruit. A portion of carbs (e.g. potatoes, rice or pasta) should be no bigger than your closed fist, or a tennis ball. Fruit portions should be a similar size.
Palm = protein. Protein portions (meat, fish, poultry, tofu) should be about the size ofyour cupped palm.
Thumb = cheese and nuts. Match portions of cheese and nuts to your thumb size.
Fingertips = fats. A slice of toast should have no more than a fingertip sized amount of butter.
Hand = veg. Open your hand and spread your fingers as wide as you can - that is a good vegetable portion.
Item in Good Housekeeping, July 2015
