Everyone deserves good nutrition.
The Portion Balance Coalition is a multi-sector collaborative working towards better nutrition for all through a focus on portions.
Everyone deserves good nutrition.
The Portion Balance Coalition is a multi-sector collaborative working towards better nutrition for all through a focus on portions.
What is portion balance?
Focusing on portions takes some of the guesswork out of how to enjoy a diet consistent with a healthy lifestyle. And it’s not just about eating the “right” amount of food and beverages —it’s also about choosing a variety of quality foods that are satisfying and nutrient-dense.
Our portion balance framework is consistent with the three key dietary principles in the 2020-2025 U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans and takes into account: volume (quantity), proportionality (variety), and quality (nutrient density).
Volume
It’s human nature to eat when presented with food, and to eat more when presented with more food. We all know that the amount we eat affects our health, and portion sizes have grown exponentially. The average size of many of our food portions has grown by as much as 138% since the 1970s.*
*According to data from the American Journal of Public Health, the Journal of Nutrition, and the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Proportionality
Deciding between a small bag of chips or a big plate of fruit? Eating less isn’t always healthier…sometimes more is better! Eating a big serving of a nutrient-rich food can be more satisfying and nutritious than eating a smaller amount of food that’s lower in nutrients and higher in calorie density.
Quality
High-quality foods like fruits and vegetables, lean protein, low fat dairy, and whole grains are rich in nutrients and great for our health. Lower quality foods, which are often processed, contain added sugar, saturated fats, and excess sodium. Keeping our diets focused on high quality foods is a great way to keep ourselves and our families healthy.
Eat for You
Campaign
Nutrition isn’t one-size-fits-all. In this consumer education campaign, we’re using an individualized approach to nutrition that focuses on portion balance and takes the whole person into account.