Here’s how to avoid these common portion mistakes.

While you may think that what you eat is the key to good health, how much you eat is just as important. As a nutritionist, while I believe that all foods fit, practicing portion control is important for most of them.

Except for water, whole fruits and non-starchy vegetables – after all, no one gains weight from eating too many carrots or berries – to optimize health, maintain your weight or even lose a few pounds, paying attention to how much you put on your plate or in your bowl is key.

It’s so easy to eat too much because portions have grown considerably over the past 50 years and we are surrounded by oversized portions, which have become the norm. As I wrote in my book “Finally Full, Finally Slim,” many bagels and muffins are now equivalent to five bread slices, and a typical steak at a restaurant can weigh a pound and contain several days’ worth of protein.

For the good news, paying attention to how much food constitutes a healthy portion size, eating mindfully and tuning into your inner wisdom and hunger levels can help with weight loss. In my private practice, I have counseled hundreds of clients who often make common portion size mistakes. I share five of them in THIS article for US News and World Report, along with simple ways to avoid them.

For my full article in US News, click HERE.

And check out this collage, for several common portion mistakes along with my suggestions.