How to Manage Portion Control to Lose Weight

Almost everyone is aware of the fact that eating less is an important element of weight loss. It sounds easy enough, but it can get frustrating. Here are a few tips to help you learn how to control your portions in order to lose weight.

1. When you prepare a meal, don't set a huge bowl of mashed potatoes in the center of the table. Portion out enough for each person on their plate. When you have finished eating, any leftovers can be packaged as individual meals. Use small containers, and portion out enough to make one meal in each container. Having these "frozen dinners" handy will help you control portions and they make it possible to eat healthy when you are pressed for time.

2. You can also take these frozen meals to work, so you can eat healthy at the office. Stay away from the vending machines and fast-food joints. Eating well-balanced meals is so much healthier, and you have control over the portions. It will also save you money.

3. If you know you will have cravings for say, some chocolate, don't deprive yourself. Instead, buy the packs with the miniature pieces and allow yourself one or two as a snack. Mind you, I'm not saying chocolate is good for a diet, but being a choco-holic myself, I can't imagine going cold-turkey. Research suggests that dark chocolate is healthier than milk chocolate, so you might want to keep that in mind.

4. Eating salads is a good way to feel fuller before eating a meal. On the other hand, the salad could be your meal. Adding fresh vegetables like carrots, celery, tomatoes and cucumbers will add flavor and texture. Lean turkey or beef is also a nice addition. Just make sure to use a light salad dressing, and don't get carried away with it. A tablespoon or two will do, depending on the size of the salad.

5. If you love meat, like I do, you'll want it as part of your meals. The trick here is to make the vegetables, fruits or salad the main dish and add the meat portion as a side. You still get to enjoy the flavor of the fish or meat, but you will consume fewer calories and get the benefits of the fiber and vitamins in the other dishes.

6. Most restaurants have special menus for children and senior citizens. Although they have age restrictions, most restaurants will allow you to choose a meal from either one of those menus. The senior menu is generally one-third to one-half the size of a "regular" meal. It is more than enough, and keeps your portions under control. If you have to order from the regular menu, ask for a carry-out box and take half the meal home with you. You just saved money by making two meals out of one, and you have a handy, quick meal to enjoy later.

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