"Serving" and "portion" are not the same - Diet

How much is a serving? Is it the same as a portion? Are restaurant meals getting bigger, especially compared to those you make at home? How are people supposed to know how much to eat, anyway? "In an era of super-sized meals, many consumers are confused, not only about things like the difference between a serving and a portion, but also about the amounts of food they believe they should eat, both at home and while dining out" says American Dietetic Association spokesperson Sheah Rarback, a registered dietician.

According to the results of the ADA's latest nationwide public opinion survey, Americans tend to overestimate the recommended serving sizes for many foods. For example, fewer than half of the respondents accurately estimated the recommended serving sizes of cooked pasta, lean meat, or vegetables. "With so many new scientific studies coming out all the time, and with often-conflicting nutrition advice coming at people from all directions, people need help in estimating serving sizes and tailoring portions--at home and in restaurants--that are best for them. Also, many restaurants and other food service providers have increased portion sizes to improve the perceived `price-value ratio.' This in turn may influence consumers' perceptions of what a portion or serving are."

While the terms serving and portion often are used interchangeably, Rarback points out that they actually mean different things. "A serving is the amount recommended in consumer education materials such as the Food Guide Pyramid, while a portion is the amount of food you choose to eat at any one time--and that may be more or less than a serving. Clearing up the distinction may help people in planning meals of appropriate size for themselves and their families."

After being provided with the definition of a serving, respondents to ADA's survey were asked to estimate recommended serving sizes of several different types of food. Among the findings: Sixty-eight percent overestimated the serving size of cooked vegetables (a haft. cup), while 30% got it right; 55% overestimated the serving size of cooked pasta or rice (a half-cup), while 45% estimated it correctly; 54% overestimated the serving size of cooked lean meat, poultry, or fish (between two and three ounces), and 30% estimated it correctly; 47% correctly estimated the serving size of raw leafy vegetables (one cup), while 34% overestimated it. Moreover, a majority of consumers correctly estimated a serving size in just one category--68% knew that a serving of bread is one slice. In the only category in which a majority of respondents underestimated size, 81% said a serving of natural or unprocessed cheese was smaller than it actually is (1.5 ounces).

COPYRIGHT 2002 Society for the Advancement of Education
COPYRIGHT 2002 Gale Group