Portion Plate Tackles Obesity Epidemic :

Obesity Epidemic

In an effort to combat the nationwide obesity epidemic, beBetter Networks offers the Portion Plate.

It is a weight management tool that helps adults and children learn how to eat correctly by focusing on portion size.

This easy-to-use tool helps adults and children to better judge appropriate food intake through the use of recognizable visual cues, colorful design and meaningful messages.

"The Portion Plate sends the message that individuals need to learn to self-regulate in order to control their weight," said Ralph Gaines, president and CEO of beBetter. "This simple tool teaches the components of a healthy diet and the importance of portion control that can easily be used within our daily lives."

beBetter offers both adult and children (ages 6-11) Portion Plates which show a relationship to the recommended portions for the meats and beans, whole grains and, fruit and vegetable food groups listed on the new food guide pyramid. Colorful images, such as a deck of cards or a package of crayons (for children) symbolize a serving of meat, which helps individuals visualize their needed portions.

A study conducted by Barbara Rolls, PhD, a professor in nutritional sciences at Penn State University, confirmed that individuals always consumed more food with larger portions and consumed more than 15% more calories per day than the recommended amounts. This study also confirmed that 25% of participants didn't notice they were eating larger portions, and when they did, they still consumed more food.

"Portion size has increased since the 1970s; however, many people are unaware of this change," said Gaines. "Our society has learned to eat what is served without recognizing the difference between recommended portions and actual portions. The Portion Plate makes this distinction."

Most Americans consider lack of exercise as the biggest reason people are overweight. But, the research suggests that if people continue to overeat with larger portions, they will gain weight or at best, not lose weight if they do exercise.

"Research also suggests that portion control can be one of the most effective and easiest ways to manage weight," said Gaines. "It's just a matter of being aware of this and then knowing to put this strategy into action."

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