“Overall obesity rates across Canada have climbed to historic highs since 2002, according to a University of British Columbia study.” To read more, click here.
Dining-Out & Portion Sizes
We’ve all been there, probably more than once… You order your meal, and it comes to your table. Your first thought isn’t, “Wow, this looks amazing!” But… “How am I going to finish this plate of food?” Or, “Do people really eat this much?”
True, some restaurants are known for their larger portion sizes; this can be a marketing tool for them, or maybe they are overly generous. It could be like a pet owner who keeps feeding their pup out of love, only to have the pups knees go on it… What is felt as caring, can actually be detrimental in the long term to the pet’s health. Maybe, there is a lack of understanding of the consequences of over feeding a pet, or over feeding humans?
Now, don’t get me wrong, depending on a person’s needs, portion sizes can differ. That is, if you are eating more because you will be in a triathlon, then it makes sense for the person to need a larger meal. As well, men and women, at times, tend to eat differing amounts. This can depend on a person’s body size and metabolism. Honestly though, a large portion of Canadians, due to their work environments and lifestyles, are sitting more than ever and not needing such big meals. Leading sedentary lifestyles, and eating large meals where calories won’t be so readily burned, is a recipe for obesity.
Yet, let’s look deeper, what does it do to our health, as Canadians, when we eat so much at one sitting? Are there any positives to gorging the stomach with food? Or, if we don’t finish our meal, what kind of take-out container is our food coming home with us in? Styrofoam, ugh! Then again, if you weren’t overly pleased with the meal, you might not opt to get your food to go, inevitably half of your food goes into the garbage. What a waste!
Bottom Line
We have got to start offering smaller portion sizes at restaurants, not just for older adults and children, but for everyone. It is better for Canadians, and even helps reduce take-out containers that don’t biodegrade. We also need to start walking more, and drinking more water. If you are a restaurant that is on it, and offering smaller portion-sized meals, please let us know here at Healthy Dine Out! Way to go!!!
Remember: “Dine-out with your health in mind.”
Interested in a great read about Ethical Dining, click here!
**Crystal Knutson** is the passionate founder of the **Eat Clean Sharing Community**, a dynamic digital space where people come together to stay accountable and eat healthier! A decade ago, Crystal launched this community as a way to make more informed food choices and realized that education sparks a deeper responsibility for what we eat.
With food reviews, mouthwatering healthy recipes, and fun challenges, Crystal has transformed the website into a lively personal health journal that inspires everyone. As a member, you’ll dive into exciting discussions, share your own journey, and connect with others who are just as pumped about clean eating. Join the **Eat Clean Sharing Community** and let’s make healthy eating an adventure, together!
My love for writing shines through in the health-related articles I craft, each designed to be both useful and informative. I delve into the latest trends, tips, and research to provide you with valuable insights into the world of clean eating.
I also enjoy conducting interviews with industry experts and innovators who have impactful messages, products, or services to share. Through these conversations, I aim to highlight the incredible work being done to promote healthier lifestyles and provide inspiration for our community.
Join me on this journey towards better health and well-being, one clean meal at a time.
