Every day, we are faced with many sources of nutrition from which to choose. Some nutrition experts tell us to base our choices on a food pyramid, some use a point system, and others recommend use of prepackaged meals. Wouldn't it be healthier to learn how to eat regular foods and watch our portion sizes?

Learning to eat the right amount of food can help prevent overeating, save money and may even help shed a few pounds. This is an important step in our eating habits because of the growing number of obese adults and children.

Serving sizes can be estimated without the use of measuring cups and scales. After all, how many of us carry these devices with us when we go to a restaurant?

Comparing for size

Serving sizes can be compared to everyday objects in order to determine by sight the appropriate food portion. This is not the same as a person's recommended daily amount of certain nutrients. To determine your daily dietary needs, it is best to consult your physician or a registered dietitian. You can also visit the U.S. Department of Agriculture's MyPyramid Web site.

Below are some common, everyday items that can be comparatively used to determine the serving size of various foods.

The amounts listed of the following foods are roughly the equivalent of the size of a woman's fist or a computer mouse:

• 1 cup of cold cereal (flakes)
• 1 medium baked potato
• 1 cup of cut fruit
• 1 cup of salad greens