Extra help for the portion-challenged

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The obesity crisis may be chalked up to a hundred different factors, but portion control is probably in the top 10. With people piling more and more food on their plates, it’s no wonder that physicians and health experts are forever telling us we need to cut back on what we eat. They’ve even given us helpful tips, like using a deck of cards as a template for how big our protein servings should be.

But evidently people don’t play cards anymore, or they don’t know basic measurement units, because somebody felt extra help was needed.

Thus, Flavor Magic Portion Control Sheets were born. These thin sheets of dry marinade measuring three inches by four inches serve as both a guide for accurately measuring three to five ounces of protein cut one-half to one inch thick, plus add flavor and seasoning. Place the meat, chicken or fish on top of the sheet until the marinade and seasonings have transferred (about half an hour), then cook as desired. Flavors include zesty Cajun-Creole, garlic citrus teriyaki, Dijon honey mustard, and riviera tomato and basil, and the company claims they contain no MSG or preservatives. Each package of 15 servings retails for about $9.

While we’re all for whatever works when it comes to eating more healthfully (within reason), it seems most people can figure out a reasonable portion size once they’re given the dimensions. Of course, those same people are usually shocked when they come face to face with what a normal portion really looks like, but once they get used to it, it’s not difficult to nail it. This isn’t rocket science.

-- Jeannine Stein