I Can't Believe I Ate The Whole Thing...

Colossal, Biggie, Supersize, Grande - these words are becoming everyday vocabulary for many people, and it shows...  Larger portions, undoubtedly, are a major contributing factor to the "obesity epidemic.  What's more is that extra large is the new normal when it comes to both body size and food portions.  Take a look at these slideshows from the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute to see the "Big" changes that have occurred over the last 20 years (slide show #1) (slide show #2). 

Unfortunately, supersize is now what we've come to expect.  How many people do you know that would buy a 6.5 ounce bottle of soda, or sit down to a 3-4 ounce serving of steak, a baked potato the size of a small fist and 1/2 a cup of ice cream for dessert and be satisfied?  We are a nation of excess for sure.  This month's version of The Nutrition Action Healthletter highlights the Supersized Phenomenon, and based on current trends like the Burger King Pizza Burger, Friendly's Grilled Cheese BurgerMelt, and Denny's Fried Cheese Melt.  Things have definitely gotten a little out of hand...

The take home message here is - just because it's the amount you are served or that comes in the package doesn't mean you should eat or drink it all at one time.  This is true for 'healthy' and paleo foods too.  A six ounce sirloin steak is great - a 16-24 ounce on the other hand may be bit much.  The same is true with fats, nuts and fruit - sure it's all good for you, but it is possible to get too much of a good thing!  Keep this in mind every time you sit down to eat.  Consider your goals, listen to your hunger/fullness cues, enjoy your food and remember -this is not your last meal, you will eat again...

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