How Portions Sizes Have Grown Over The Years

For example, twenty years ago a bagel was about 3 inches in diameter and 140 calories. Today’s bagels are about 6 inches in diameter, 350 calories and may count up to three or even four servings in the grains group.  This is just one example of how portions have grown larger over the years.

 

 

Serving sizes are often smaller than people think. In fact, Americans under-estimate the calories they consume each day by an average of 25 percent. A recent poll revealed that 70% of us felt the amount of food that we eat at home and the amount we are served at restaurants is considered a “normal” serving size. People are unaware that the portion sizes have increased over the years. In fact, the standard size plate used in restaurants has increased from 10 ½ inches to 12 inches.

 

Some Facts About Today's Larger Portions

20 Years Ago Portion Sizes	Today's Portions	Additional Calories
1 muffin  (1.5 ounces)                          210 calories	1 muffin (4 ounces)                       500 calories	290 calories
2 slices of pepperoni pizza            500 calories	2 slices of pepperoni pizza      850 calories	350 calories
1 plate chicken cesear salad  (1 1/2 cups)                                 390 calories	1 plate chicken cesear salad  (3 1/2 cups)            790 calories	400 calories
1 slice cheesecake (3 ounces)                                    260 calories	1 slice cheesecake (7 ounces)                  640 calories	350 calories
1 chocolate cookie   1.5 inch diameter                         55 calories	1 chocolate cookie   3.5 inch diameter     275 calories	350 calories
1 cheeseburger                       333 calories	1 cheeseburger 590 calories	257 calories
1 plate of spaghetti 1 cup - 3 small meatballs                 500 calories	1 plate of spaghetti 2 cups with 3 large meatballs                1025 calories	525 calories
1 order of french fries   2.4 ounces             210 calories	1 order of french fries    6.9 ounces                      610 calories	400 calories
1 bottle of soda 6.5 ounces                    85 calories	1 bottle of soda     20 ounces                250 calories	165 calories
1 turkey sandwich                     320 calories	1 turkey sandwich              820 calories	500 calories