Is Bigger Really Better?

By Pamela Stangland, guest columnist

How much is too much? These days as far as food is concerned, everyone seems to think that bigger is better. Take for instance Frito Lays Grab Bag chips. “For only a quarter more, you get almost twice as much,” said Joe, an attendant at a Duluth convenience store. “The 1.5 ounce bag sells for 75 cents, and the 2.75 ounce bag sells for 99 cents.”

Therein lies the problem—Americans prefer the better deal. Not only do we buy the bigger portion, we eat the entire thing as well!

When Coca Cola was first introduced in 1916, it came in a 6.5 ounce bottle. Since then, the bottle has grown several times—first 8 ounces, then 12 ounces, and now 20 and 34 ounce containers. A 20-ounce bottle contains 2 ½ servings of pop, which amounts to a whopping 18 teaspoons of sugar.

Learning to recognize portions, with simple measures, can make it easy to judge portions whether at home or away. So why not get control by checking out the portions you choose. Here are some simple guidelines:
· A portion of meat, poultry or fish is the size of your palm
· A portion of rice or pasta is the size of your fist
· One serving of fruit is also the size of your fist
· A serving of cheese is the size of your thumb
· A serving of butter or margarine is the size of a thumb tip
Pamela Stangland received her B.A. in Dietetics, Food and Nutrition through the College of Saint Scholastica. She is currently completing her dietetic internship at Miller-Dwan Medical Center in Duluth.

The super sizing of American foods