Portions Then and Now

Over the past few decades, we have seen portion sizes go through the roof.

It’s no surprise that our increasing weight problems have mirrored these increases in portion size.

In the 1970s, for example, around 47% of Americans were overweight or obese; now 66 percent of us are. Likewise, the number of obese people has doubled, from 15% to 30%. percent.

We used to eat burgers, but weren’t overweight.

We used to drink coffee, but didn’t drink out of a Venti Bucket ‘o caramel frappuccino.

Of course, there are many aspects to our weight and health problems, but one of the main aspects are these increasing portion sizes.

These portion comparisons, adapted from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute’s (NHLBI) Portion Distortion Quiz, give a visual representation of what sizes used to be compared to what they are today.

Bagel
3-inch diameter (140 calories)
5 to 6 inches (350 calories or more)

Chips
1 oz. bag (150 calories)
1.75 oz. “Grab Bag”(about 260 calories)

Pasta
2 cups(280 calories withoutsauce or fat)
4 cups. or more(560 calories or more without sauce or fat)

French Fries
2 ounces(210 calories)
5 ounces(540 calories)