What a Serving Size Really Looks Like

By , Betsy Emmert, SparkPeople Marketing Intern
Ever gulp down a container of juice, only to find out there were actually 2 1/2 servings in that 20-ounce bottle? Gobbled up a "personal" size bag of chips? What about that pint of ice cream in the freezer? That surely is one serving. Right?
If you answered yes to any of those questions, you're not alone. Food companies and restaurants often try to trick us by making it really difficult to determine how many portions are in a package.

Most of us have experienced portion distortion, especially as we start our healthy living journey.  Portion distortion is widespread, but thankfully it's something that's easy to overcome!

Today we're sharing an eye-opening graphic that will show you how much many of us are really eating--and how much we should be eating! We put our marketing intern, Betsy Emmert, on the case!

Which of the serving sizes above was the most surprising to you? What food is hardest for you to properly portion?

Be sure to spread the word about portion distortion! Click the photo above to download and print it--and if you're on Pinterest, this is a must-pin!



Graphic by Stepfanie Romine
Photos by Elliott Giles
Research by Betsy Emmert


About the author: Betsy Emmert is from Cincinnati, Ohio and is a second-year student studying marketing at the University of Cincinnati. Betsy attended Saint Ursula Academy and is actively involved on UC’s campus, serving as a campus tour guide and communications director of her sorority. Betsy held a summer internship with SparkPeople, Inc., during the summer of 2012 and loved being a part of the SparkPeople Team! She hopes to continue spreading the spark every day and inspiring people to reach their goals!