You’ve probably heard that splitting what you’d normally eat in half is a good way to control portions, but will it help you lose weight? Certified dietitian-nutritionist Lisa Moskovitz says it’s not a bad idea, since “portion distortion is one of the leading causes behind weight gain and obesity.”
It definitely makes sense when you’re eating out, since restaurant meals are notorious for being two or three times bigger than what you actually need to eat, Moskovitz explains. And registered dietitian Sonya Angelone, spokeswoman for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics agrees, pointing out that if you see food on your plate, you’ll want to eat it all - no matter what size the portion is.
So splitting your meals in half can keep you in check, but it’s really more important to focus in the quality of what you’re eating, not just how much. Think of it like this: eating half of a muffin is better than eating a whole one, but it still doesn’t provide all the nutrients your body needs.
Basically, eating smaller portions will help cut calories and could lead to weight loss, but you still need vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains so you’re not undernourished and hungry. So load up on lots of veggies, use a smaller plate to control portions, and eat mindfully so you’ll realize when you’re getting full, along with splitting portions, to reach your weight loss goals.
Source: Women's Health