Do I Need To Measure My Food?

by Angel Lynn Diamond | More from this Blogger

30 Jul 2009 05:54 PM

Almost everyone knows that 3,500 calories equals one pound. In other words, if you want to lose one pound of weight you would need to take in 3,500 less calories to do this. The key to all of this is counting your calories and exercise. Although I do not add in my calories burned while exercising (I guess I just figure it as bonus calories subtracted), I do count my calories. If I did not count my calories, I would be in serious trouble.

The great thing about dieting is that once you start losing a few pounds your self-esteem will undergo a big boost. Another thing that you will notice when you lose those first few pounds is that your stomach is full with less food. Concentrate on this fact and look for it or you might tend to continue eating more than what you need to in order to get that "full" feeling. Once you feel this type of feeling you should stop eating until you become hungry again.

Measuring your food is important, as you will need to know how much each serving is for detecting your calorie count. We, especially here in America, tend to overeat and one portion size becomes three portion sizes because one portion does tend to look like very little. You could use a food scale to do this or a measuring cup, but what about the times that you are away from home and do not have those things handy?

I have come to just about memorize the calorie count in many of the everyday foods that I eat. This is because I read every label and check to see how many calories are in each food. I also look at calorie listings and mentally have it stored in my brain. What I do not have in my brain is a food scale, but you can measure without this by using your hands.

As a good rule of practice put the following in to practice:

Using your thumbs: One thumb on your hand is approximately equivalent to one tablespoon or one ounce of food.

Using your hands: The palm of your hand is approximately equivalent to three ounces of food, such as meat.

Using your fist: Make a fist. This is approximately equivalent to a cup of food or eight ounces of liquid.

These figures, of course, are not exact, but work well in a pinch to determine approximate food calorie values. A ballpark figure is better than no figure at all.

Bottom line: Watch your food portion sizes, count your calories, take in less than what you need in a day and you will see the pounds come off.

Angel Lynn writes in weight loss, single parenting, media, and health.

Learn more about Angel Lynn Diamond

I am a mom to my precious one and only, a nurse in a heartwarming adult living facility, and a freelance writer.

View Full Profile | More from this Blogger