Recent research showed that chicken products from fast food outlets contained four average portions, and over 80% of chips had a portion size that was bigger than the average adult portion. 

Portion sizes have been creeping up over the past twenty years, especially at restaurants and takeaways. Some examples are obvious, like popcorn at the cinema or the supersize options in fast-food restaurants. The truth is that even the sandwiches we buy at lunch-time and the meals we cook at home are often larger than they need to be.  If we pile up our plates with more food than we need, we're sure to pile on the pounds over time. Dr Cliodhna Foley-Nolan from safefood explains how much food is enough. 

Top tip! Use a smaller plate – it’s a simple way to cut down on portion sizes and you may find that you are satisfied with a smaller amount of food.

How much food is the right amount? Use these examples as a guide

Remember, children are smaller and don’t need adult-sized portions on their plates. Children and teenagers should be encouraged to try everything on their plate but be sure to let them decide when they have had enough – never force them to finish everything on their plate.

Read more

9 ways to right-size your food portions

More detail on portion sizes from our weigh2live website

An easy guide to balancing your diet