What Are the Portion Sizes for a Heart Healthy Diet?

Having a healthy heart begins with a healthy diet. In the modern-day world, portion sizes have been greatly inflated. Many of us no longer have the ability to judge a "proper" portion size. However, in order to lose weight and keep your heart healthy, portion control is necessary.

Meat

A serving of meat is 3 to 4 ounces. That's roughly the size of the palm of your hand. A serving of fish can be slightly larger, about the size of your palm and your fingers.

Pasta

Whole-wheat pasta is a wonderful addition to a heart-healthy diet. The whole-wheat is full of nutrients and fiber. In addition, pasta typically brings a great deal of satiety. A serving of pasta is half a cup or the size of half a baseball.

Vegetables

Veggies are extremely nutritious and chock full of nutrients that your body needs to thrive. In addition, they're mostly water so they're very filling. A serving of veggies is about the size of your fists placed side by side.

Fruits

While healthy and nutrient-packed, fruits have a lot of natural sugar. They're higher calorie than veggies and as such, a portion of fruit is about the size of one fist.

Bread and Cereal

Whole-grain bread and cereal adds much needed fiber and iron into a modern-day diet. However, it's easy to overdo these two foods. A serving is only about the size of a baseball.

Fats

Oils, butter and mayonnaise come in very large packages with very small servings. A serving of these extremely calorie-dense items is the size of a singe dice or a poker chip.

Desserts

Cookies and cakes and brownies, oh my! As yummy as these foods are, you must enjoy them in moderation. A serving size is the size of your pointer and middle finger, side by side.

Crunchy Snacks

Chips and pretzels can satisfy nearly any salt and crunch craving. However, a serving size is one handful. Reach into the bag, grab some and pull your hand out. If some fall, tough luck.