Tips for cutting portion size?

Is it actual hunger or is it habit? I had a similar issue years ago. I realized, for example, out of HABIT I would order 2 bean burritos from Taco Bell (this was way back in my teenage years) or I would automatically have a bowl of pasta and 2 slices of garlic bread, etc. Once I cut back I realized I had no need for 2 of most things, it was simply habit.

In your case, if it IS in fact hunger, then I'd focus on higher quality, more nutrient dense food if possible. And, this is NOT for everyone, but going low carb was a life changer for me. No more cravings of any sort.

There are plenty of other methods, but you need to find what works for you.

Start logging at your current intake level. Maybe if you see it on screen it will motivate you to change. It takes a little bit to get used to the reduced food, yes. But you do get used to it. Ultimately, you just have to decide in your head that you aren't going to overeat and do it. Find a hobby, go for a walk, brush your teeth, drink some water.

smaller plates and don't trust your eyes

Buying a food scale will help a ton and eating your food much slower (50 chews per bite) will help make you feel fuller faster!

You could also do a gradual decrease - so if you have 2 bowls or chicken breasts, cut to 1.5 instead, then down to one. It takes time for your stomach to shrink. I always find I'm hungrier the next day if I ate a LOT the day before (my theory is a stretched out stomach!).

When I did a medically supervised weight loss program they had a list of things we could eat unlimited quantities of. It was basically fruits and vegetables but we had to eat AT LEAST 5 cups per day and more if we were still hungry. So, have your pasta, after you have had a cup or two of a vegetable. Eat an apple or even two before you are going to have pizza.

weigh everything! You will be surprised how much you over/under estimate what a 'portion' is. Reading more labels can be educational to - a so-called recommended serving size can differ a great deal from what you feel a standard portion size should be

Make sure you are getting enough protein. MFP recommendation may be too low. Try for .8 g/kg of body weight. Some people are more satisfied if they include protein in every meal and snack.

Make sure to include enough fiber. This can help with satisfaction. Beans are high fiber, as are green leafy vegetables, among others. 25g fiber minimum/day is good, or 15 g/1000 calories eaten. Increase fiber gradually so it doesn't get your digestive system upset.

Look at proportions as well as portions. Try to get half your food from fruits/veggies:
http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/healthy-eating-plate/

Try to have a glass of water with meals. Sometimes hunger is actually thirst.

I prefer to make my own meals. That way I have better control over things like sodium, fat, and sugar content. I am often able to make the same meal as I would eat at a restaurant, except with less fat and sodium and fewer calories.

Pizza tends to be high in calories. You can try making your own at home, with less cheese, using a thin crust pita, and a tablespoon of tomato sauce (or tomato paste with seasonings sprinkled on). Chose healthy toppings, and eat with a salad so it is more filling.

Pasta is high in calories. I make a ragu at home, but I find that to fit my calorie goals I can only have about 21 g pasta with it (about 21 whole wheat rotini).

Don't try to restrict calories too much. If you are really hungry, gradually reduce calories. Try only going down 100 calories from maintenance a day, to give your body a chance to adjust. Slower weight loss that is maintained is better than a high deficit that is given up early on.

You can earn calories from exercise. MFP may overestimate the burn, so many posters recommend only eating back about half the calories. Exercise can make you less hungry, and intense exercise may more effectively depress appetite.

Try to ensure you are getting enough micronutrients (i.e. iron, calcium.) Nutrient deficits can lead to strange cravings, but can be avoided with a varied diet.

Sometimes you wil be hungry during a diet, particularly duing the first few days, or after a cheat day (or during hormone fluctuations ). You may end up having to live with the hunger for a bit. Try to distract yourself, stay active, focus on the reason you are losing weight (i.e. for health, so you will be there for your family), have some water, wait 15 minutes, talk to a friend, or whatever coping strategy you can come up with. The hunger should subside after a day or two.

Just try one small change at a time, and give yourself a few weeks for it to "lock in" if it is working.

If you try everything and nothing works, speak to your Dr. or a dietician for advice.

Good luck

I'd suggest trying finding foods that have lots of volume for not as many calories ie vegetables, egg whites etc.. eat a meal filled with voluminous foods then maybe you may not be as hungry when eating your preferred foods which should be in moderation anyway.