Final answer:
A serving is the standardized recommended amount of food to consume, while a portion is the actual amount of food one chooses to eat. Using tools like nutrition labels and MyPlate can help individuals determine appropriate serving sizes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The difference between a portion and a serving is an important concept in understanding how much food to consume. A serving is the recommended amount to be consumed, according to guidelines such as those provided by nutrition labels or dietary recommendations like MyPlate. It refers to a standardized measurement that helps to understand the nutritional content of the food, and helps people follow dietary guidelines. On the other hand, a portion is the amount of food that one actually chooses to eat at any given time, which can vary greatly depending on personal choice, hunger levels, or social settings.
For example, if you are using the MyPlate guidelines for a balanced meal, half of your plate should consist of fruits and vegetables, with the remaining divided between grains and proteins. To ensure you're not overeating, it's recommended to use a salad plate rather than a dinner plate, so that the same-sized serving appears larger and you feel satisfied with less food.