Final answer:
A serving size is a standardized measurement provided on food labels, indicating the quantity of food associated with the nutritional information given. It is not always equivalent to the full package, and understanding serving sizes is critical for portion control and maintaining a healthy diet.
Step-by-step explanation:
A serving size is a standardized amount of food that helps people understand how much nutrients they will consume if they eat that amount. For example, if the nutrition label states that a serving size is 55 g, this corresponds to the quantity that will provide the listed calories, macronutrients, and other nutritional data. A single serving may not necessarily mean the whole package; it's the amount upon which the nutrition information is based. For instance, a package could contain multiple servings.
Eating more than the suggested serving size can lead to an increase in intake of calories, fat, sugar, and sodium amongst other things, which could affect overall health. To practice portion control, one can use visual aids like comparing a portion to common items, such as a deck of cards or the palm of your hand, or strictly adhering to the serving size listed on the food label.
Effective portion control is vital in maintaining a healthy diet, and understanding and adhering to the serving sizes on nutrition facts labels is a crucial component of this process.