Answer courtesy of Jacqueline Nester RD, LD, Sodexo Campus Services – Lehigh University

One of the most effective changes you can make to a diet is to downsize your portions. You can enjoy a variety of foods without feeling deprived by decreasing your portion size. Eating smaller portion sizes does not have to include measuring everything using measuring cups and spoons. An easy way to portion items is to use your hand! Use the following tips as accurate portion size tools:
• The palm of your hand is about the size of a protein portion (poultry, fish, meat, etc.)
• Your thumbprint is about 1 tablespoon, which is good for portioning sauces and/or salad dressings
• A fist is about the size of a cup, which is a serving of carbohydrates (pasta, rice, oatmeal, cereal, etc.)