USA portions

No, it's not exaggerated, and it's not your imagination. There's this idea in America that "bigger is better," and it refers to everything from houses to jewelry to food portions. Somewhat ironically, it doesn't refer to body size -- we want to eat more food but have a smaller waistline, which makes no sense at all.

That's why a huge diet tip for Americans is to immediately box up half to two-thirds of your meal at a restaurant before you even start eating. Because the portion sizes really are that inflated.

This is why I don't eat out. Way too much food. Even the salads are bad for you.

Yes you're correct things seem to be bigger here. It's amazing that we all wonder why we struggle when it's about the food and the price and you go where you can get the most. Really?!

Can't wait till you visit the states. Hope you enjoy them.

I totally agree with ajweekley... the "standard" American diet is a BIG part of our problem with weight control. Massive portions at restaurants is what we are served. It makes keeping your weight down very hard because you almost start to believe you are supposed to eat this way! I try to leave half on my plate when I go out to eat. Mostly though, we don't go out but once or twice a month. The rest of the time it is eating as close to natural as we can. I am a firm believer in eating natural food and a lot less processed stuff.

Portions, especially dinner portion are about 2-3 times bigger than they should be. It's ridiculous! I never finish a restaurant meal in one sitting.

Yep, it's pretty gross. However, the new thing restaurants are doing is 'tapas', which is pretty nice, in terms of portion size. However, if you want "smart" portion sizes, those tend to be the restaurants that you are going to be paying for not only the food, but the presentation as well-so those restaurants tend to be more expensive. BUT the food is usually better quality. America is kinda bassackwards when it comes to food. We keep getting bigger, and we know it, and we want to fix it, but we still want bigger portions. And bigger cars to fit our bigger bodies

Portions in American restuarants are HUGE! appetizers they bring out are ment for sharing but if you don't share or only with 1 other person you can easily consume 2-3 servings of it! The best option is to ask for a doggie bag/container and put 1/2 of the meal in there before you even start eating. Sodium levels in restaurant foods is also outragous--salt is in everything and you will go over your daily limit in 1 meal! A lot of restaurants also provide nutritional information-you can ask them for it or you can search it online. Its best to plan your meal when going out so that there are no surprises later.

I believe that the portions are so huge because that is what is expected by many. If one is to go out and eat they expect a huge amount of food for the price they are paying. Just an example-a new brunch (breakfast and lunch) restaurant opened up by me serving decent portions and healthy food. People started complaining how $$ it was and the you don't get enough food for what you pay for. The problem is that many people don't realize what 1 serving of food is supposed to look like and they are used to eating 2-3 times that amount in one meal. People want a lot of food for cheap!

There are a lot of healthier restaurants available but be prepared to pay for them--they do exist and are delicious. A trend in my area is using organic foods and local farmers.

TV shows depicting restaurants are outrageous and the ones that I've seen always show a competition ex man vs food. where the guy goes to a certain restaurant and eats their challenge meal-a ton of food in a certain amount of time. Usually enough food to feed a family of 4!

I suppose I am being a bit dim here but couldn't you just ask for smaller portions when you order?

Not always. Sometimes you can order a "lunch" portion, but even that is usually pretty large. They don't price and serve by the ounce -- it's the whole plate, take it or leave it.

From my experience I'd have to agree with you about US portion sizes, but the UK isn't so far behind :S I never really thought about it, except that I've just moved to the netherlands, where most 'national food' is either sugary and baked or covered in breadcrumbs and deep friend, and people genuinly do fry things more! But compared to walking down any street in the UK, people are noticably thinner and it seems like it has a lot to do with a culture of moderation, with drink as well as food. Sometimes that seems boring and a bit joyless! But it does make it a bit easier to lose weight, as long as you can say no to the amazing baking!