Canadians are spending more on food and buying more calories, according to the “Food in Canada” report from Statistics Canada. The calories available per person increased by 9%, from 3,118 to 3,384 kilocalories. However, some of this food is wasted, and only 71% of the purchased calories were actually consumed.
Maintaining a balanced diet and achieving nutritional goals can be challenging, especially with busy lifestyles. But one effective method to stay on track is using compartmentalized trays for portion control, which is also helpful for reducing food waste.
This triggers the demand for food packaging supplies Richmond that feature compartments that customers can use for portion control and food intake monitoring.
Portion Control, Explained
Portion control means being aware of your food intake and adjusting it based on its nutritional value and your eating goals. Large or unbalanced portions can easily hinder weight loss efforts. It helps create a nutrient-dense diet. By paying attention to how food makes you feel, you can adjust portion sizes accordingly.
How it Works
Portion control requires food containers with pre-measured portions for different food groups. You can label each packaging compartment with a specific food group, like proteins, veggies, or carbs. The idea is to fill the containers with the appropriate food and eat only what fits in them for each meal.
Portion Control the Right Way
According to Canada's Food Guide, a balanced meal should include vegetables and fruits, whole grains, proteins, carbohydrates, and fats.
First Example:
- Veggies & Fruits - 50%
- Proteins - 25%
- Whole Grains - 25%
Second Example:
- 2 portions of protein (meat, fish, eggs, cheese, etc)
- 2 portions of veggies (spinach, broccoli, carrots, etc)
- 3 portions of carbs (beans, potatoes, grains, etc)
- 1 portion of fats (oil, butter, nuts, seeds, etc)
Third Example:
- 2 servings vegetables
- 1 serving carbs
- 1-2 servings protein
Using Portion Control Containers & Plates
The idea is to have a simple guide for portion sizes:
- The largest section is for vegetables.
- The two smaller sections are for protein and carbs.
- The smallest compartment is for fats.
But don't fret if your existing container doesn't match this precisely. Many suppliers offer various packaging supply options in the market.
Strategies for Portion Control
Experiment with portion sizes to find what's satisfying while still aligning with your goals. It's not always exact and may take trial and error. Working with a dietitian - who has the knowledge - at the start can ensure your plan is safe and meets your nutritional needs.
Once you know how much to eat, ensure accuracy with these methods:
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Plate method |
You can fill half with vegetables, a quarter with complex carbs, and a quarter with lean protein. |
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Portion control dishes |
Invest in compartmentalized plates and cups or use smaller dishes. |
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Use a scale |
Especially helpful at the beginning of your weight loss plan. |
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Practice mindful eating |
Portion food onto a plate rather than eating from packaging. |
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Track your food |
Keeping a food journal increases awareness of portion sizes, making it easier to control them. |
Tracking Your Food Consumption
Health Canada released the "My Food Guide Servings Tracker," which includes a checklist for the recommended food consumption, including the following:
- Eat dark green and orange vegetables daily
- Choose veggies and fruits with minimal added fat, sugar, or salt
- Opt for whole-grain products and lower-fat options
- Drink skim, 1%, or 2% milk, or lower-fat milk alternatives
- Include meat alternatives like beans, lentils, and tofu often
- Aim for at least two servings of fish per week
- Select lean meats with minimal added fat or salt
- Drink water to quench your thirst
- Limit high-calorie, high-fat, sugary, or salty foods and drinks
- Have 2.5 hours of moderate to vigorous physical activity each week
Why Track Your Intake?
- Be More Mindful: Tracking your food makes you think about what you eat, helping you make better choices.
- Control Portions: You'll learn what a healthy portion actually looks like.
- Eat Balanced: Tracking helps ensure you're getting enough of all the nutrients you need.
- Manage Weight: Track your calories to reach your weight goals.
- Break Bad Habits: See patterns in your eating and find ways to eat healthier.
- Stay Motivated: Seeing your progress keeps you on track.
- Feel Better: Track how food affects you and choose options that make you feel your best.
Benefits of Compartmentalized Food Packaging
Visible Portion Control
Compartmentalized trays or any food packaging solutions allow you to see exactly how much food you're consuming. You can dedicate each section to a specific food group to ensure a balanced meal. This visual guidance helps prevent overeating and makes it easier for you to stick to your dietary goals.
Balanced Nutrition
By dividing your food into compartments, you can ensure you're getting a variety of nutrients. For example, one section for proteins, another for vegetables, and another for grains. This simplifies meal planning and helps maintain a balanced diet.
Ease of Use
Most compartmentalized food packaging products are designed for convenience. They're perfect for meal prepping and storing food. Simply fill each compartment with the right food portions, and you’re set for the day or week. This is particularly useful for busy professionals and families looking to save time without compromising on nutrition.
Waste Reduction
Compartmentalized containers can help reduce food waste. When you portion out meals in advance, you're less likely to throw away leftovers. This waste reduction also contributes to a greener future since there are food packaging companies manufacturing or distributing eco-friendly packaging materials.
Must-Have Food Packaging Trays for Restaurants and Other Food Businesses
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Food Packaging |
Product Description |
Price |
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These eco-friendly round plates with 3 compartments are crafted from sustainable sugarcane fibres. Sturdy, compostable, and biodegradable. |
$54.95 |
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Designed to handle pizza portions without sacrificing durability, these plates make portion control easy and convenient. |
$53.95 |
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Ideal for catering, picnics, and eco-friendly dining, these plates enhance single-portion dish presentation while reducing environmental impact. |
$61.95 |
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Perfect for portion control, these stylish, eco-friendly plates are ideal for backyard barbecues, corporate events, and casual dinner parties. |
$51.95 |
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Best for serving both hot and cold foods, making them versatile for all your dining needs. Choose these plates to enjoy your meal. |
$68.95 |
Monitor Food Intake With the Right Food Packaging
A healthy diet isn’t just about eating nutritious food; it's also about consuming the right portions to balance the nutrients. If you're determined to monitor your food consumption or your food business focuses on providing the right portion control to your customers, source the best packaging materials from a trustworthy food packaging supplier, like Patek Packaging.
Whether for personal use or for your restaurant business, you can find everything you need - from compartmentalized trays to durable packaging cups and bowls. Custom printing is possible, so you can label the compartments according to your preference.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are compartalized food packaging supplies good alternatives to calorie counting?
Compartmentalized food packaging supplies are pre-measured to ensure customers consume the right amounts of each food group for their dietary needs. Portion control packaging solutions help manage calorie intake without constant calculations and tracking. They also teach proper portion sizes, promoting healthier eating habits over time.
Is portion size different from serving size?
Yes. Serving size is listed on the label, while portion size is what you put on your plate. Serving size is found on the Nutrition Facts label of any food packaging. The FDA sets serving size to indicate the normal amount of food consumed in one sitting. It serves as a reference for the nutritional information shown.
How many servings are recommended from each food group?
Consuming a variety of foods supplies your body with essential fuel and nutrients. Your specific dietary needs, including the amount of certain foods and calories required, are influenced by factors like age, gender, physical activity level, and overall health.
For personalized food and calorie guidance, consult a dietitian for recommendations based on your individual needs. Suppose you're consuming 2000 calories per day, here's the recommended servings for the following food items:
- Grains - 6-8 servings daily
- Fats & oils - 2-3 servings daily
- Poultry, fish, and meats - 6 servings or less daily
- Sweets - 5 or less servings weekly
- Fruits & veggies - 4-5 servings daily
How do I calculate portion size?
The right amount of food for weight loss isn't set in stone. It's about finding portions that give you energy, nutrients, and satisfaction. If you're tracking calories, your daily calorie goal can guide portion sizes.
Portion size isn't the same as serving size; it's based on your calorie limit for the day. You plan meals to fit within that limit. It can vary as long as you meet nutritional needs. A calorie goal calculator considers factors like age, height, sex, activity level, weight, and weight loss goal.