Know how much you’re eating.

Americans eat larger food portions than nearly any culture in the world. One key to losing weight and keeping it off is to eat sensible portions. Are you aware of how much you’re eating?
• A typical 4-ounce bagel is equal to 4 Pyramid servings. Most adults should eat a total of 6 to 11 servings a day of bread and other grain foods (see the bottom of the Pyramid). So one bagel comprises nearly half your daily intake of grains, according to the modified Pyramid guidelines, which call for less bread and grains in our diet. Think about how you can change your habits. For example, instead of a whole bagel, try eating half a bagel and some fresh fruit.
• A medium order of French fries is equal to 4 Pyramid servings. Again, that’s nearly half your grains for the day. Skip the French fries, or order the smallest size.