You've probably noticed that food portions in restaurants have grown in size and provide enough food for at least two people. This can lead to weight gain.
Take the Portion Distortion Quiz below to see if you know how today's portions compare to the portions available 20 years ago, and about the amount of physical activity required to burn off the extra calories provided by today's portions. Jot down your answers then click the link below to find out if you're right.
1. A cheeseburger 20 years ago had 333 calories. How many calories do you think are in today's cheeseburger?
a. 590 calories
b. 620 calories
c. 700 calories
2. A 6.5-ounce portion of soda had 85 calories 20 years ago. How many calories do you think are in today's average portion?
a. 200 calories
b. 250 calories
c. 300 calories
3. A 2.4 ounce serving of french fries 20 years ago had 210 calories. How many calories do you think are in today's portion?
a. 590 calories
b. 610 calories
c. 650 calories
4. A portion of spaghetti and meatballs 20 years ago had 500 calories. How many calories do you think are in today's portion of spaghetti and meatballs?
a. 600 calories
b. 800 calories
c. 1,025 calories
5. Two slices of pepperoni pizza 20 years ago had 500 calories. How many calories do you think are in today's large pizza slices?
a. 850 calories
b. 1,000 calories
c. 1,200 calories
Thank you for taking the Portion Distortion quiz. I hope it was fun and insightful. I also hope that next time you eat out, you will think twice about the food portions offered to you.
Source: We Can!, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Debbie Wilburn is county extension agent in family and consumer science with the Hall County Extension. Contact: 770-535-8290.