We’ve all done it — piled our plates high, only to scrape half of it into the bin later. Whether you’re cooking at home or running a professional kitchen, portion control isn’t just about health — it’s about respect for food.
It’s time we rethink how much we serve, not just what we serve. Because cutting food waste starts with serving the right amount.
🍽 Why Portion Control Matters
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Reduces food waste
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Saves money
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Improves guest satisfaction
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Supports mindful eating
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Keeps your food costs in check (if you're in F&B)
📏 What Does a "Right" Portion Look Like?
Here are simple benchmarks to guide you (whether for home meals or buffets):
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🥦 Veggies: 1–1.5 cups per person
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🍚 Cooked rice/grains: ½ cup per serving
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🍗 Protein (meat/tofu/legumes): 100–150g per person
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🥗 Salads: 100g per person for side salad, 200g for main
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🍝 Pasta: 75–100g dry per person (it doubles when cooked)
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🍰 Dessert: 100g or a palm-sized slice
🧠 Mind trick: Use smaller plates — they help curb over-serving naturally.
📊 In Hotels & Restaurants: Portion = Profit
Every extra spoon of rice, unplanned refill, or oversized plate means:
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Higher food cost
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More kitchen stress
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More waste at the end of service
Train your team to portion accurately using ladles, scoops, or plating rings. Create visual guides. Standardize it.
🏠 At Home: Be Smart, Not Strict
Portion control doesn’t mean tiny meals or hunger. It means:
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Cooking just enough for the number of people
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Saving leftovers mindfully
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Offering second helpings instead of overloading plates
🧠 Mindful Habits That Work:
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Serve in smaller bowls. People can always ask for more.
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Let the stomach catch up — it takes 20 minutes to feel full.
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Freeze extras before they turn into fridge fossils.
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Weigh once — learn forever. A kitchen scale helps you understand what’s “enough.”
💬 Final Thought
Good food is a gift — don't serve more than can be savored.
Portion control is an art rooted in care — for the food, the planet, and the people we serve.
What’s one way you control portions at home or work without making it feel restrictive? Share your wisdom below.
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