Portions as ounces, and other questions

Phillip · 12-04-2008

Hello, just started the program this week and I like it so far, but I'm not a big fan of using my hand as a portion measurement. I'm actually okay with weighing my food.

So if someone could tell me what a portion of carbs is in ounces or grams that would be great. Specifically I'm looking at measuring uncooked whole grain pasta, and brown rice. I don't really get the whole "size of your fist" thing. How am I holding my fist? Knuckles up? Sort of like a hammer? Is the carb spread out on my plate, or is it in a cup the size of my fist? I'd just rather measure this stuff out. Up to this point I've been sticking with a piece of fruit or a yogurt as my carb portion, but I'd like to be able to mix it up.

I gleaned from the internet that a protein portion is roughly 3-4 ounces, so that's what I've been working with. The carb portion, however, baffles me. Any help is greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Phillip

Hamoth · 12-04-2008

I've been using a balled fist as a measure of volume. If you want to be scientific about it, you could get a 2 or 4 cup measuring container, fill it partly with water and note the level. Put in your fist. However much the water rises is how much of whatever it is you want by volume.

Oh yeah, you can also look at the package and see what they call a serving...maybe that counts?

Phillip · 12-04-2008

As far as the pasta goes, they call a serving 2 ounces. That seems like a lot. So I'm thinking if no one can give me a definitive answer, that I'll cut that in half and hope for the best.

When you say you use a balled fist... what do you mean? Do you hold a fist over the top of the portion and compare? I just don't understand how exactly this works.

Thanks again. I might try the volume measurement trick if no one can say for sure what a portion is.

hockeymom · 12-04-2008

Hi Phillip,
Like you said, you just kind of estimate...my fist looks roughly to be about 1 cup. Like you though, I like to be more exact, I'd just go with the portion size. Make sure you're eating enough though. If you eat too little, it can slow your metabolism. Also, you don't want to set yourself up to binge, because you're not eating enough.

Chris · 12-04-2008

I also go with portion size. It's much easier IMO to keep track of calories this way. I often end up doubling the serving size since I tend to eat more, but this makes the math much easier too.

BFL fist method is supposed to be a relative portion to each person's body size. Bigger people will need bigger portions, it makes sense... But I really doubt the size difference between my wife's fist and mine accounts for my intake of nearly double her daily caloric intake. I guess I'm just going the long way about agreeing with you, that fisting* isn't all it's cracked up to be...

*I realize this is a term for something completely different. Oh well

Hamoth · 12-04-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris

*I realize this is a term for something completely different. Oh well

I'd go out on a limb and suggest that your statement would remain true with either definition in place.

Chris · 4 Weeks Ago

HA! I guess that's true

12-04-2008	#1 (permalink)
Phillip Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 5	Portions as ounces, and other questions Hello, just started the program this week and I like it so far, but I'm not a big fan of using my hand as a portion measurement. I'm actually okay with weighing my food. So if someone could tell me what a portion of carbs is in ounces or grams that would be great. Specifically I'm looking at measuring uncooked whole grain pasta, and brown rice. I don't really get the whole "size of your fist" thing. How am I holding my fist? Knuckles up? Sort of like a hammer? Is the carb spread out on my plate, or is it in a cup the size of my fist? I'd just rather measure this stuff out. Up to this point I've been sticking with a piece of fruit or a yogurt as my carb portion, but I'd like to be able to mix it up. I gleaned from the internet that a protein portion is roughly 3-4 ounces, so that's what I've been working with. The carb portion, however, baffles me. Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks, Phillip

12-04-2008	#2 (permalink)
Hamoth Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Seattle Posts: 208 Blog Entries: 33	I've been using a balled fist as a measure of volume. If you want to be scientific about it, you could get a 2 or 4 cup measuring container, fill it partly with water and note the level. Put in your fist. However much the water rises is how much of whatever it is you want by volume. Oh yeah, you can also look at the package and see what they call a serving...maybe that counts? __________________ I have just completed an 8 week challenge to lose 30lbs of fat and gain 20 lbs of muscle. I am trying to recover from my long-neglected case of CECS (Chronic Exertional Compartment Syndrome) which was relieved two years ago with bilateral fasciotomies. Check out my Blog!

12-04-2008	#5 (permalink)
Chris Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Upstate NY Posts: 1,981 Blog Entries: 77	I also go with portion size. It's much easier IMO to keep track of calories this way. I often end up doubling the serving size since I tend to eat more, but this makes the math much easier too. BFL fist method is supposed to be a relative portion to each person's body size. Bigger people will need bigger portions, it makes sense... But I really doubt the size difference between my wife's fist and mine accounts for my intake of nearly double her daily caloric intake. I guess I'm just going the long way about agreeing with you, that fisting* isn't all it's cracked up to be... *I realize this is a term for something completely different. Oh well __________________ "Half ass effort gets you half ass results." "Negative people can clear a room quicker than a fart." "You don't think your way to a new way of living. You live your way to a new way of thinking."

4 Weeks Ago	#7 (permalink)
Chris Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Upstate NY Posts: 1,981 Blog Entries: 77	HA! I guess that's true __________________ "Half ass effort gets you half ass results." "Negative people can clear a room quicker than a fart." "You don't think your way to a new way of living. You live your way to a new way of thinking."

12-04-2008	#3 (permalink)
Phillip Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 5	As far as the pasta goes, they call a serving 2 ounces. That seems like a lot. So I'm thinking if no one can give me a definitive answer, that I'll cut that in half and hope for the best. When you say you use a balled fist... what do you mean? Do you hold a fist over the top of the portion and compare? I just don't understand how exactly this works. Thanks again. I might try the volume measurement trick if no one can say for sure what a portion is.

12-04-2008	#4 (permalink)
hockeymom Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: St. Peters, MO Posts: 437 Blog Entries: 40	Hi Phillip, Like you said, you just kind of estimate...my fist looks roughly to be about 1 cup. Like you though, I like to be more exact, I'd just go with the portion size. Make sure you're eating enough though. If you eat too little, it can slow your metabolism. Also, you don't want to set yourself up to binge, because you're not eating enough.

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