A study published in the British Medical Journal found that people who ate six small meals each day had an average cholesterol level that was five percent lower than those who ate only one or two big meals each day. The study, conducted at the University of Cambridge, found that eating more frequently also lowered levels of artery-clogging LDL cholesterol.

Eating five-six small, healthy meals a day has been known to stabilize blood glucose and insulin levels, decrease craving, and help prevent overeating. Eating small, healthy meals throughout the day, rather than the standard three large meals, can also help keep your metabolism going.

 

 Some Portion Control Tips:

 

·         If you eat at a restaurant, ask for a to-go container and take half of your meal home.

·         If you like to snack while watching TV, measure out a small portion of your snack in the kitchen; don't take a whole bag of chips with you into your TV room.

·         If the smaller portions leave you feeling hungry, fill up on vegetables like carrots and celery.

·         Start your meal with a clear low calorie soup to ease your hunger so that you don't over-eat.

 

The 'Palm' method:

 

Another way to look at portion sizes is to use your hand. One serving of protein should be about the size of the palm of your hand. One serving of green vegetables and salad greens could be the size of two fists, while starchy items like potatoes or pasta should be served in a portion about the size of one tightly clenched fist.

 

These healthy portions may seem small at first, but realize your stomach is only about the size of your two loosely fisted hands held together.

 

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