Do you enjoy digging into a big bowl of pasta topped with a small mountain of cheese? If so, you might be shocked to discover what a “real” portion of both foods look like. Serving suggestions say we should be cooking just 2-3 tablespoons of pasta and the equivalent of a matchbox-sized block of cheese. A healthcare provider recently took to Instagram to share the recommended portion sizes of several foods, sending social media users into a frenzy. Even two slices of toast for breakfast is too much. Instead, we should be eating just one slice of toast. The average woman is advised to have 2,000 calories per day to maintain a healthy weight, while men should stick to 2,500 calories. Pasta and bread are both starchy foods, one of our major energy sources. Although 2 ounces of pasta sounds like a small amount, this is the suggested portion for one meal, and once cooked the same pasta will be 4 ounces and contain about 300 calories. Keep in mind that portion sizes vary from person to person, depending on age, weight and height, gender, health, and activity levels.
