Food portion sizes
Portion sizes are important for staying a healthy weight.
When a food scale of measuring cups aren't handy, you can still estimate your portions by using this chart.
Three ounces of meat is about the size and thickness of a deck of playing cards.
A medium apple or peach is about the size of a tennis ball.
One ounce of cheese is about the size of four stacked dice.
One-half cup of ice cream is about the size of a racquetball or tennis ball.
One cup of mashed potatoes or broccoli is about the size of your fist.
One teaspoon of butter or peanut butter is about the size of the tip of your thumb.
Source: Allina Patient Education, Helping Your Heart, fourth edition, cvs-ahc-90648, and the National Dairy Council
Reviewed by: Allina Patient Education experts
First Published: 05/01/2005
Last Reviewed: 06/01/2007
Reviewed by: Allina Patient Education experts
First Published: 05/01/2005
Last Reviewed: 06/01/2007