Eating at least the recommended amount of calories can help you avoid weight gain and keep your blood sugar levels in a healthy range. It can also help you ward off many health problems, such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
On the other hand, unhealthy weight-control behaviors can lead to underweight conditions. People in this group may develop health problems, such as osteoporosis and anemia.
Eat the Right Portion Sizes
It’s important to make nutritious food choices and exercise regularly, but you also need to watch the amount of food you eat. According to registered dietitian Julia Zumpano, portion control is an essential tool in weight loss and maintaining a healthy diet.
Portion sizes are defined as the amount of a particular food that people typically consume during a meal or snack. A typical serving size is listed on the food label and can be measured in cups, ounces, pieces or slices. Often times, people’s portion sizes do not match the recommended serving size on the food label.
One way to help regulate food portions is to eat from smaller dishes. This can help people visualize the amount of food they are eating. It is also helpful to count condiments when preparing meals, as these can be high in calories. A heaping tablespoon of ketchup, for example, can add an extra 200 calories to your meal.