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  • 7/10/2025
Portion Control That Feels Good 🍽️ No Measuring Cups. Just Mindful Eating.
Transcript
00:00No, she doesn't want to weigh her rice, and grandpa's not counting almonds.
00:04But portion control? It can still feel good.
00:06For many of us, especially as we age and start managing things like diabetes or weight,
00:12those words, portion control, can sound cold, clinical, even a little bit shaming.
00:19Suddenly, mealtime turns into a math class.
00:22The digital scale comes out.
00:24Measuring cups line up on the counter.
00:26Apps blink at us, waiting for numbers.
00:28And somewhere in all of that, the simple joy of sharing a meal seems to disappear.
00:33But here's the truth.
00:34Portion control doesn't have to feel that way.
00:37It can be gentle.
00:38It can be practical.
00:40It can even be pleasurable.
00:42Let's set aside the measuring cups for a moment
00:44and lean into something that feels more human, more natural.
00:48Here are five ways to portion food without measuring cups or scales
00:52so that everyone at the table feels respected, nourished, and most of all, at ease.
00:57First, use your hands.
01:00Your hands are always with you, and they're perfectly sized for your body.
01:04Think of your palm as your guide for protein.
01:06Chicken, fish, tofu.
01:08Your fist?
01:09That's a serving of fiber-rich carbs, like brown rice or sweet potatoes.
01:14Healthy fats, like avocado or cheese?
01:17Just two fingers worth.
01:18And for veggies, use two cupped hands.
01:21This method is personal, easy to remember, and, best of all, it never feels rigid or harsh.
01:28Second, use smaller plates.
01:30It might sound simple, but switching from an 11-inch plate to a 9-inch plate
01:34can reduce calorie intake by up to 22%, and most people never even notice the difference.
01:40The plate looks full, the food feels abundant, and no one feels deprived.
01:45Sometimes, just a little change in presentation is all it takes.
01:49Third, slow down your meals.
01:52Did you know it takes about 20 minutes for your brain to register that you're full?
01:56When we eat quickly, we often eat past fullness without even realizing it.
02:01So serve smaller portions to start,
02:03and if someone's still hungry after a little while, offer seconds, slowly.
02:09This gives everyone time to check in with their hunger,
02:12and it turns mealtime into a more mindful, relaxed experience.
02:17Fourth, let color and balance be your guide.
02:21Fill half the plate with non-starchy vegetables.
02:23Think green beans, cabbage, or a fresh salad.
02:27One quarter gets protein, and one quarter gets whole grains or legumes.
02:31This isn't about restriction.
02:33It's about visual satisfaction and nourishment,
02:36making every plate look and feel complete.
02:39Fifth, serve together.
02:41Let your loved one plate their own food.
02:44Give them the agency to decide what feels right for them.
02:47When people are trusted to make their own choices,
02:49they're more likely to make balanced ones.
02:52It's about respect, and respect leads to better choices,
02:56more connection, and less pressure.
02:58Remember, we're not trying to control our loved ones.
03:01We're helping them feel in control, supported, dignified, and at ease.
03:06No lectures, no digital scales.
03:10Just the natural rhythm of real food, real conversation, and real presence at the table.
03:15Portion control isn't about math.
03:17It's about relationship.
03:19Your relationship with food, with family, and with yourself.
03:22When you slow down, trust your body, and serve with intention.
03:27Every meal can be a time for joy, not anxiety.
03:30So, the next time you worry about serving too much or too little,
03:34remember, it's not about less.
03:37It's about better.
03:39Portion control can be loving.
03:40It can be intuitive.
03:42And yes, it can feel good.
03:44For more weekly tips on mindful eating, aging with dignity, and family caregiving,
03:49stay connected.
03:51Your table and your heart deserve it.
03:53Your table and your heart deserve it.

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