‘Hand' Diet May Be Effective in Losing Weight

The 'Hand' Diet which measures food portion sizes using the hand may be effective for those who want to lose weight, according to a new research.

Experts attribute obesity to people's lack of portion control when eating. This is why they suggested the use of a 'hand diet' which shows exactly how much of certain foods we should be eating. For instance, a portion of meat should be no bigger than the palm of the hand - and carbs should not be consumed any bigger than the size of a clenched fist. The maximum amount of butter spread of a size of bread should just be the same size as the fingertip.

The American Cancer Society confirms that many people regularly eat way bigger portions than what is allowed. Sometimes, people even consume five times more than the recommended portion size of pasta. Research has shown that when bigger portions are served, people automatically consume them, because of the 'must clear plate' mentality. A team of researchers from New York University's Department of Nutrition and Food Studies found out even decades ago that food portions were consistently larger than in previous years.

They say: "Spread butter on your toast, but be aware that a teaspoon of butter (enough for a thin layer) is 37 calories, but a tablespoon (generously covering) is three times as much, amount to 111 calories. Put dressing on your salad, but learn to weigh the vinegar in favor of the oil. A teaspoon of oil may be 45 calories, but a tablespoon is 135. That one extra tablespoon of oil every day amounts to weight gain over a year. Switch to sweetener in your tea and coffee. Cutting out two spoons of sugar in your tea three times a day creates an annual calorie deficit of 37,000 calories, which could be enough to shed more than 11 pounds."