The last few decades have seen expanding waistlines in kids and adults. It's hard to watch the news or read a newspaper without some kind of commentary about it. Too much sugar, too much fat, too much junk food - you've probably heard it all. Of course, these have something to do with the problem. What about portion size, though? Is there simply too much on our plates?
In the 1980s, portion sizes began to skyrocket. For example, twenty years ago a bagel was 140 calories and three inches in diameter. Two decades later, a typical bagel is 350 calories and six inches in diameter. Just that modern-day bagel would equal half of the grains a person is supposed to eat the entire day.
Research shows that many people have difficulty recognizing a normal portion as a result of all these large portions. Take a look around at what people are eating. What does the typical muffin look like? How much pasta comes in that pasta bowl in the restaurant? How many portions are in that super-sized order of fries at the fast food chain? Did you know that automakers even had to start making larger cup holders? Can you finish a 20-ounce soda in one sitting? It makes you think, doesn't it? Overall, portion sizes are larger than before.