Portion Size Pointers Helping parents right-size servings
You Will Learn 1. Serving sizes 2. Right-sizing for your child 3. Managing portions 4. Food labels
Where to Start? YOU are the most important influence in your child’s life Your child watches and imitates your behaviors
Portion DISTORTION
Right-Size Portioning Eat well … but not too much
Everyone Eats Different Amounts... and That is OK
Dairy Vegetables Fruits Grains Protein 5 Food Groups
2- to 5-Year-Olds Don't Eat Much
Dairy: Milk, Yogurt, Cheese 6-8 years old: 2 ½ cups per day 9 years old to adult: 3 cups per day
Moving Dairy Into Your Daily Food Choices The milk in this bowl of cereal is ½ cup.. Measure ½ cup with half of your fist.
Vegetables 6-8 years old: 1 ½ cups per day 9 years old to adult: 3 cups per day
Enjoy a Variety of Veggies Each Week
Fruits 6 years old to adult: 1 ½ to 2 cups per day
Fit Fruit Into Your Day
Grains: Breads, cereals, pasta 1 serving = 1 ounce This equals: 1 slice bread 1 corn tortilla ½ cup cooked rice or pasta 1 cup dry cereal ½ cup cooked cereal 6 years old to adult: about 6 ounces per day
Gear Up for Whole Grains Each Day - It’s SIMPLE! Half fist ½ cup
Protein: Meats, Beans, Nuts 6 years old to adult: 4 to 6 ounces per day
Muscle Protein Into Your Daily Choices
It’s Your Turn Now!
Find the serving size. One container isn’t always one serving. This container has 3 servings. Drinking the whole container is 510 calories! Read the Label
Restaurant Meals
Portions at Home Help children learn what a serving looks like Prepare and eat more meals at home
A Review of What You Learned 1. Estimate food serving sizes 2. Right-size servings for your child 3. Manage food portions 4. Read food labels
More at HealthyEating.org Portion Size Pointers for Parents Parent Education Toolkit