This portion might seem meager to some pasta lovers......

This portion might seem meager to some pasta lovers. But if you're watching your weight-or just trying to eat nutritiously-it's important to be aware of what constitutes a "serving." (Then you can make a fully informed decision about how many servings to serve yourself!)

Here are sample-serving sizes:

- 1 serving from the BREAD, CEREAL, RICE and PASTA group: ½ cooked pasta or rice, 1 slice of bread, 1 small roll or biscuit, ½ cup cooked cereal, 1 ounce ready-to-eat cereal.

- 1 serving from the MILK, YOGURT and CHEESE group: 1 cup of milk, 8 ounces yogurt, 1.5 ounces processed cheese.

- 1 serving from the MEAT, POULTRY, FISH, DRY BEANS, EGGS AND NUTS group: Approximately 3 ounces of lean meat, chicken (skin removed) or fish; 1 egg, ½ cup cooked beans.

I tend to lean toward the using an open hand as a measurment for carbs when cups and such arent available and a closed fist for protien.

This is not for people that are weightlifting, as its more dependent on what your goals are.