This is sponsored content from BlogHer and The Laughing Cow.
I'm going to share with you a trick that I use to control portions. I keep it a secret because it makes me look fancy, rather than making me look like I am trying to reduce my calories. But, the folks at Laughing Cow asked how I control portions during the holiday season and I'm more than happy to oblige since they are going to give a lucky commenter $150. The things I do for you people, seriously.
(By the way, before I proceed, aren't the Laughing Cow folks awesome about portion control? How great are the little Laughing Cow wedges? IF you can limit yourself to a couple of wedges, that is. My gramma, for example, eats exactly two wedges with her toast for breakfast each morning. I, on the other hand, could eat whole round tonight if it was placed in front of me.)
(See how I try to detract your attention from my portion control secrets.)
Anyway, the way I make portion control look classy is this: I serve high-calorie treats in tiny dishes with tiny utensils. For examples, I have these lovely heart bowls that fit exactly one small scoop of ice cream. Just one small scoop. I have itty-bitty dessert spoons, brought all the way from Paris, that look absolutely delightful with the lovely heart bowls. Tiny bowls, tiny spoons and voila! Classy portion control! Sure, you only get one small scoop of rocky road but DO YOU SEE HOW LOVELY IT IS? Don't you feel so classy using that teeny spoon that came all the way from the City of Light? You couldn't enjoy such an experience with a regular old bowl and spoon. Bon appétit!
Studies indicate that family dinner plates are growing in size. In fact, dinner plates have increased in size by an estimated 30 percent since the 1950s. Smaller plates equal smaller portions. I just love tiny appetizer plates, small juice glasses, and itty-bitty bowls. They seem so dainty, sweet, retro and, yes, have the added bonus of controlling portions.
This holiday season, serve small slices of pecan pie on dainty dessert plates. Pour petite glasses of eggnog. Scoop apple cobbler into little bowls and serve with tiny dessert spoons. Make small gingerbread cookies and serve them on cocktail napkins. There's no need to supersize the slices of pumpkin pie or heavenly fudge when they are served on tiny plates. Pick up small ramekins for dainty crème brulée. Don't mention that you are managing portions and, I promise, you will just look fancy.
For a chance to win a $150 Visa gift card, tell me your portion control secrets! I've told you mine! Please keep your comments G-rated as any profanity or offensive content will automatically disqualify you from sweepstakes entry. You should also Visit The Daily Dose of Well-Being hub to read helpful content each day and for weekly chances to win $100 at the “Play For Laughs” game. If you share a really great tip, we may even use it in The Daily Dose!
You'll also find links to 18 other chances to win!
Rules:
- No duplicate comments.
- You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods: (a) Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post, (b) Tweet about this promotion and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post, (c) Blog about this promotion and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post, (d) Read the official rules for alternate form of entry.
- This giveaway is open to US Residents aged 18 and older
- Winners will be selected via random draw, and will notified by e-mail.
- Sweeps runs from 12/8 to 12/28.
- You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.
Check out the official rules, too, if you like that kind of legal stuff.
I keep a food diary and make sure to keep active during the holidays.
Posted by: Mami2jcn | December 09, 2010 at 06:23 AM
tweet-http://twitter.com/mami2jcn/status/12874995671769088
Posted by: Mami2jcn | December 09, 2010 at 06:23 AM
At home I wiegh my portions on a scale (well, I used to, now I have a good idea where the portions are).I'll eat more for the holidays, but balance it with exercise.
Posted by: Adrienne gordon | December 10, 2010 at 10:17 AM
If I eat some cut up raw veggies before a meal, I find that I will eat less and also stay away from sweets while I am eating them
Posted by: Ziggywag | December 10, 2010 at 01:06 PM
http://twitter.com/Ziggywag/status/13338557657649152
Tweeted it
Posted by: Ziggywag | December 10, 2010 at 01:06 PM
I try to snack on a healthy snack before going out. Then I drink plenty of water and try to fill up on healthier options. If I do treat myself to a high calorie item, I take tiny portions.
Posted by: Margaret Smith | December 10, 2010 at 02:57 PM
my tip is if you bake use splenda
if you snack no larger portions than your fist...............
Posted by: SANDY | December 10, 2010 at 04:31 PM
Eating during the holidays is not easy sometimes. To stay healthy I always eat a small meal before I go so I don’t feel like I have to pack it on at the party. I would rather do that and have everyone say how svelt I look instead of hiding the pie when I walk in. Happy Holidays.
THANKS for the AWESOME GIVEAWAY!!!
Scott Martin
spmartin122@gmail.com
Posted by: Scott Martin | December 10, 2010 at 04:38 PM
What great ideas, though my husband would look at me oddly if I served tiny portions, since he's 6'3" but hey Im used to that. I have a sheet on my fridge with portion sizes compared to real world things - cards, dice etc so its easy to visualize
Posted by: Roxanne Ellis Raymond | December 10, 2010 at 06:00 PM
usually portion control size of palm but this year fighting cancer, had treatment and isolation last week and lost my salivary glands so no taste whatsoever
tvollowitz at aol dot com
Posted by: Stephanie V. | December 10, 2010 at 09:39 PM
I always try to follow the "80% rule". Eat until you feel 80% and stop. If you feel hungry later, you can always have a snack. But usually that 80% is enough. Thanks for the giveaway!
Posted by: Benny Williams | December 10, 2010 at 11:27 PM
tweet:
http://twitter.com/#!/benny8484/status/13495329580122112
Posted by: Benny Williams | December 10, 2010 at 11:28 PM
I eat healthy foods before I go to parties. I also drink water and just take sample of food which keeps me satisfied.
Posted by: Susan Smith | December 11, 2010 at 07:25 AM
http://twitter.com/susan1215/status/13614979534036992
Posted by: Susan Smith | December 11, 2010 at 07:25 AM
When you go to a gathering where there will be food, only allow yourself to sample your top 3 choices on the food table. If you have to really think about what treats you're eating, it will help you eat them more slowly and savor them, helping you eat less.
And, of course, eating healthy at home/work/school/wherever the rest of the time will mean that some treats won't hurt. :)
Posted by: Kelly | December 11, 2010 at 11:08 AM
I keep the higher fat and calorie treats further away from the reach of my arms. If I have to make more effort, I am less likely to mindlessly munch.
Posted by: Andrea S. | December 11, 2010 at 11:44 AM
I try to eat only to satisfaction, and not go beyond that point where I am feeling stuffed!
gina.m.maddox AT gmail.com
Posted by: Gina | December 11, 2010 at 03:45 PM
http://twitter.com/#!/CrazyItalian0/status/13741005555630081
tweet tweet!
Posted by: Gina | December 11, 2010 at 03:46 PM
I try to make or size holiday treats in small bite size treats and I freeze what ever i can to save to serve as the winter season goes along
Posted by: cathy miller | December 11, 2010 at 04:49 PM
I got to say, I really don't think about portions during the holidays. I just eat slower mostly because I am talking and drink lots of water.
gmissycat at yahoo dot com
Posted by: Georgia | December 11, 2010 at 05:30 PM
Tweeted here too
http://twitter.com/gmissycat/status/13767745313185792
gmissycat at yahoo dot com
Posted by: Georgia | December 11, 2010 at 05:31 PM
I love trying lots of different goodies, so I make sure I take a very small amount so I don't feel deprived but I don't overeat. Also drink lots of water.
Posted by: Heather S | December 11, 2010 at 07:39 PM
Gotta say the finest way to eat healthy for our family is to stick a Mediterranean diet of pastas, fishes, olive oil and other necessary peripherals :D
Please feel free to contact me at:
allrightyes at gmail dot com
Posted by: Timbo | December 11, 2010 at 08:14 PM
I just tweeted this giveaway here :D
http://twitter.com/TimboSquad/status/13808901065543680
Please feel free to contact me at:
allrightyes at gmail dot com
Posted by: Timbo | December 11, 2010 at 08:14 PM
I only eat until I am full; I don't go on eating just because there is still food left on my plate.
Posted by: Susan Randle | December 11, 2010 at 08:18 PM
use smaller plates, then a full plate is not as much food as it is on a larger plate
Posted by: Sarah Hirsch | December 11, 2010 at 09:50 PM
JI try to take small portions of sweets and large portions of healthy foods.
marybug2@yahoo.com
Posted by: Mary M | December 12, 2010 at 08:33 AM
I tweeted
http://twitter.com/#!/marybug2/status/13995367037140992
marybug2 at yahoo.com
Posted by: Mary M | December 12, 2010 at 08:35 AM
I try to maintain portion control by eating half of what is put onto my dinner plate. As for sweets, I choose those I'm most drawn to and eat a bite of each.
Posted by: Toby | December 12, 2010 at 09:23 AM
tweet:
http://twitter.com/tandek589/status/14007649439846400
Posted by: Toby | December 12, 2010 at 09:24 AM
I also like the small plate to give the illusion of more food. Along with it, you need to have a no seconds rule!
Posted by: Cynthia C | December 12, 2010 at 12:54 PM
Tweet:
http://twitter.com/clc408/status/14061103344517120
Posted by: Cynthia C | December 12, 2010 at 12:57 PM
I am a neurotic health nut. I eat what can fit in the palm of my hand about every 3 hrs.
I can't remember the last time I ate junk.
Posted by: Judith Van Alphen | December 12, 2010 at 06:19 PM
http://twitter.com/sodahoney/status/14142680816680960
Posted by: Judith | December 12, 2010 at 06:21 PM
Kristian makes fun of my tiny dessert spoons, but I use them for everything.
I tell myself that if I only eat a little bit of whatever it is that I shouldn't eat too much of, I can have it as leftovers later. And I try to eat as slowly as possible, savoring every bite.
Posted by: Hope | December 13, 2010 at 12:34 PM
I make sure I don't withhold the treats from myself, I just get the correct portion size so I get my fill and don't feel left out!
Posted by: Tarah | December 13, 2010 at 12:45 PM
I have NO control!
dolniaks[at]consolidated[dot]net
Posted by: joni | December 13, 2010 at 06:55 PM
I do the same thing! I couldn't find small enough plates in the stores, so I bought large saucers at the local thrift store. We don't eat all our meals on the tiny plates, but I always eat breakfast on it and often other meals. And I totally do the small ice cream bowl thing (and the tiny spoons are brilliant -- I think I will seek some out).
Matt and I keep talking about getting married. When we do, I am so registering for an old-school set of plates that are all small, even if it means we just get salad plates.
Posted by: Leah | December 14, 2010 at 05:27 AM
f I know I'm going to be eating at a party, I will eat light the rest of the day to save some calories to splurge a little.
Posted by: Kerry | December 14, 2010 at 03:34 PM
tweeted: http://twitter.com/KerryBishop/status/14825524639567872
Posted by: Kerry | December 14, 2010 at 03:34 PM
Cut your own portions!!!
Posted by: M.A. | December 14, 2010 at 07:02 PM
During the holidays, if I know I am going somewhere with lots of goodies available, I will eat some fruit or a Salad first, that way I am not too hungry and if I eat anything at all it will be a small portion
Posted by: Nadine L | December 14, 2010 at 07:19 PM
I tweeted http://twitter.com/#!/eyzofblu63/status/14881830280896512
Posted by: Nadine L | December 14, 2010 at 07:20 PM
At home, I use a salad plate for all my meals. I also pay close attention to finger snacks like nuts. Since nuts are very heart healthy, I try to eat a few every day but I always count out the exact number, for example, 10 almonds and then close the can and put it away.
dogsrock at insightbb dot com
Posted by: Susan E. | December 16, 2010 at 01:40 PM
This sounds a bit weird, but I use children's sized silverware. This helps me to take smaller bites, and actually enjoy what I'm eating. Strange yet effective!
paigewiley16 AT gmail DOT com
Posted by: Paige | December 17, 2010 at 09:10 AM
drink a lot of water .
Posted by: chris | December 17, 2010 at 06:11 PM
Stay active and watch the portion sizes.
Posted by: Steve W. | December 18, 2010 at 02:53 AM
I eat veggies and crackers before the meal to keep my portions small.
Posted by: Jeff | December 18, 2010 at 09:41 AM
I have retweeted.
http://twitter.com/mrcheapo/status/16186284724723712
Posted by: Jeff | December 18, 2010 at 09:43 AM
I go into the holidays knowing I'm going to eat more than usual, so I don't beat myself up for it. I don't go crazy, though--basically, I focus on those foods that I don't eat year round. So I skip the bread and mashed potatoes so I can have my grandma's cookies instead. :)
Posted by: ohkeeka | December 18, 2010 at 02:49 PM
I limit fat and calories by passing up the dips and deserts.
Posted by: Mary B | December 18, 2010 at 06:09 PM
I like to eat a salad before we go out to dinner at friends and family. I also like to get small portions and drink lots of water.
Thank you
tatertot374@sbcglobal.net
Posted by: beth shepherd | December 19, 2010 at 04:47 PM
tweet
http://twitter.com/#!/tatertot374/status/16655849938227200
Thank you
tatertot374@sbcglobal.net
Posted by: beth shepherd | December 19, 2010 at 04:47 PM
i drink lots before and during the meal, water, not alcohol lol
Posted by: jolene | December 19, 2010 at 04:58 PM
I've downsized the plates I use! Now, I use the salad plates almost all the time. (They are still fairly good sized). Occasionally, depending on what I'm having, I'll actually go down one more size plate. Then, the trick is to NOT go back for seconds!
Posted by: Suzanne K | December 19, 2010 at 05:18 PM
My healthy tip is to not got to parties hungry.
Posted by: Kathy N Scott | December 19, 2010 at 07:47 PM
i try using a smaller plate and not getting seconds!
Posted by: Debbie Bellows | December 19, 2010 at 08:13 PM
tweeted about this giveaway!
http://twitter.com/bellows22/statuses/16708009099010048
Posted by: Debbie Bellows | December 19, 2010 at 08:15 PM
I drink a bottle of water in the car on the way to parties to help me curb my intake!!
Merry Xmas! Thanks!
Janna Johnson
jannajanna@hotmail.com
janna@feedyourpigblog.com
www.feedyourpigblog.com
Posted by: janna | December 19, 2010 at 09:11 PM
If I want to indulge I only eat a very small portion... like a bite or 2.
Posted by: Courtney | December 19, 2010 at 09:42 PM
I don't go to any holiday parties hungry. I'll eat a small healthy snack beforehand that way I'm not starving and I don't gobble up everything in site.
Posted by: kathy | December 20, 2010 at 06:40 AM
My secret is that I use smaller plates.
kport207 at gmail dot com
Posted by: Kathleen | December 21, 2010 at 06:09 AM
I never accept anything to take home from a party and I avoid alcoholic drinks so I don’t have to worry about those empty calories.
Posted by: Ellie W | December 21, 2010 at 02:41 PM
tweet
http://twitter.com/#!/eswright18/status/17349088475357186
Posted by: Ellie W | December 21, 2010 at 02:42 PM
I pass up the rich-fatty deserts. And fill up on fruit, veggies and The Laughing Cow Cheeses!!!
Posted by: lathres b | December 21, 2010 at 08:26 PM
I eat more salad and veggies so I can avoid the more fattening foods. I also choose water to drink.
Posted by: patricia | December 22, 2010 at 01:48 PM
i try to always leave a couple of bites of whatever i'm eating. that helps me to cut back a little
Posted by: ashley | December 22, 2010 at 07:36 PM
I try to fill up on soup for the holidays
Posted by: jen gersch | December 23, 2010 at 02:32 PM
I eat a big healthy dinner before I go out to parties so I'm not as hungry.
Posted by: Jennifer M | December 23, 2010 at 04:38 PM
i stay away from the sweets
Posted by: Debrahall1961 | December 24, 2010 at 01:48 AM
I love the idea of "dainty" portions, which really are what normal portions used to look like! :)
Posted by: Susan C. | December 24, 2010 at 11:22 AM
I skip the vending machines at work and keep healthy snacks in my desk.
Posted by: Stacey K | December 24, 2010 at 12:59 PM
My portion control secret is to try many things but to share them all with someone. That way you're eating half!
Posted by: Becca | December 24, 2010 at 01:57 PM
I take small portions and eat slowly so my brain has time to receive the message when it's full. I wait until later on to have dessert.
Posted by: karen | December 24, 2010 at 04:00 PM
I don't buy what I can't eat
Posted by: linda lansford | December 24, 2010 at 09:15 PM
I use a small plate and drink a lot of water
Posted by: Happi Shopr | December 25, 2010 at 01:16 PM
I drink a big glass of water before a meal, and eat fruit and veggies to fill up before other treats.
Posted by: julieh | December 25, 2010 at 04:15 PM
I am already a water drinker, almost always skipping sodas. I don't eat foods offered just to be social. I take small portions first and only finish what I really enjoy.
dchrisg3[at]gmail[dot]com
Posted by: Debbie C | December 25, 2010 at 09:43 PM
Tweeted
http://twitter.com/DchrisG3/status/18904912742064128
dchrisg3[at]gmail[dot]com
Posted by: Debbie C | December 25, 2010 at 09:44 PM
I try to keep in mind portion sizes like a deck of cards for protien and a tennis ball for veggies I do sample some treats but I don't load up my plate with them
teechbiz at gmail dot com
Posted by: catherine copeland | December 26, 2010 at 06:44 AM
To help manage portions I don’t use large serving spoons – just regular spoons.
chlorinebrain at sbcglobal dot net
Posted by: kelly w. | December 26, 2010 at 08:23 AM
We got rid of our big plates and only use the smaller plates all the time. I also put the portions of veggies down first, so the plate fills up faster with the good-for-me stuff and makes it harder to cram on the not-so-good for me stuff!
Posted by: Elizabeth N. | December 26, 2010 at 08:28 AM
I don't have trouble with portion control. I don't like the feeling of being full, so I always leave myself a little bit hungry.
Posted by: katfam | December 26, 2010 at 08:35 AM
To try to minimize my holiday over-indulgences and eat reasonable portions while still enjoying desserts and other treats, I drink a lot of water before and during parties so my stomach stays fuller the entire time, and I limit myself to one of any treat or one plateful from dinners and buffets. Thanks!
Posted by: Geoff K | December 26, 2010 at 09:53 AM
I tweeted: http://twitter.com/guettel78/status/19088495817531392
Posted by: Geoff K | December 26, 2010 at 09:54 AM
I eat a healthy meal at home before I go to any holiday party. This keeps me fuller and less likely to indulge with all the bad treats.
Posted by: Erica C. | December 26, 2010 at 01:50 PM
I have learned to always bring a dish when going to a holiday party. Then, I seem like a gracious guest and know that there is at least one healthy option available!
Posted by: Lori Walker | December 26, 2010 at 02:44 PM
I found that the time I overeat too much is at dinner (especially when there is pasta or potatoes), so I've taken to eating on a bread plate....seriously. It sounds like a tiny portion, but I fill the plate so I feel like I've got a whole plate full, and usually it's plenty of food. If I get hungry later, I have a healthy snack. Works well at parties too. I let myself have whatever I want as long as it can fit on one small size plate.
Posted by: Debra F | December 26, 2010 at 07:06 PM
never fill your plate more than 3/4, and no seconds
Posted by: Daniel M | December 26, 2010 at 09:35 PM
I keep some 100 calorie snacks on hand at work because there’s always cookie trays and goodies the weeks leading up to Christmas. From my lips straight to my hips and I swear it’s always worse during the holidays. When I'm tempted by goodies, I grab one of my healthy snacks instead.
And when I'm Christmas shopping, I always bring along a bottle of water. The stores are hot and I know that I'd be tempted to stop for a soda or grab a quick fast-food snack..the water helps fill me up, keep me cool and it's much better for me than soda. I'm also not tempted to snag a bag of fries for the road.
Posted by: shel | December 26, 2010 at 10:30 PM
http://twitter.com/auntiethesis/status/19278934575153153
Posted by: shel | December 26, 2010 at 10:30 PM
I have a rule for myself…before I go for the junk food, I will eat something healthier and then wait 20 minutes before indulging. So…if somebody brings over lasagna, I will have a banana and some salad before gorging myself on the fattening food!
Posted by: Teegan Briggs | December 27, 2010 at 10:33 AM
Water! Water! Water! Lots of it. I put pieces of fruit in my water makes it sweet and easy to gulp down :)
Posted by: Melissa | December 27, 2010 at 10:33 AM
Tweet Tweet
http://twitter.com/#!/mb11fb/status/19461191923400704
Posted by: Melissa | December 27, 2010 at 10:35 AM
I fill half of my plate with fresh fruits & veggies before going for the heavier, fat & calorie filled foods
Posted by: pixe13 | December 27, 2010 at 11:08 AM
tweet, tweet
http://sliceofpink.typepad.com/reviews/2010/12/laughingcow6.html
Posted by: pixe13 | December 27, 2010 at 11:09 AM
If its a sweet I only eat one bite. Thanks! thebubbledies(at)gmail(dot)com
Posted by: simone | December 27, 2010 at 11:33 AM
I portion snacks like chips and pretzels into baggies when I get home from the store.
Posted by: Elizabeth Baer | December 27, 2010 at 11:43 AM
I guess I'm "lucky" enough not to have a severe sweet tooth. This way, pies and cakes do not tempt me. Smaller plates or spreading the food out rather then in a big pile tricks the brain. I drink a lot of water (which is also good when you're inside overly heated rooms) and watch my portions
rugerpuppies at hotmail dot com
Posted by: Lori hart | December 27, 2010 at 12:23 PM
I don't do portion control as much as I choose the treats I really want and try ignore the rest.
Posted by: nanjhall | December 27, 2010 at 01:32 PM