Most of us know that restaurants usually serve oversized portions to appeal to value-conscious patrons. But can you guess how many servings are really on your plate at the local steakhouse? According to a recent MSNBC.com article, many restaurants are serving up portions that are twice as large–or even larger–than the appropriate serving size.
Although "one serving" of steak is about 4 ounces, it’s not uncommon to find a 14 or 16 ounce steak on a menu. In fact, one famous steakhouse serves a 22 ounce slab of beef, which means you’ll get more than 5 servings of red meat dished up on your plate!
But you don’t have to eschew restaurants if you’re watching your calories. Just try these tips:
Pick the smaller portion. In the case of steak, you often have a choice of portion size. Choose the petite cut or the smaller meal to automatically control your servings.
Get it boxed in the kitchen. Ask your server to box up half your meal before bringing it to your table. If it’s not on your plate, you won’t be tempted to eat it.
Share your plate. Sure, some restaurants charge $1 or so if you want to split your entrée with a dining companion. But that extra cost is well worth the calories you’ll save.
Choose an appetizer instead. Appetizers, in general, tend to be smaller sizes than entrées. So choose an appetizer for your meal, and supplement it with a green salad or broth-based soup.
Look for lighter fare. Many restaurants offer a "light" or "healthy" menu. Not only are these portions smaller, but the food is typically prepared in a diet-friendly manner.
