Hidden costs

American Fitness, Sept-Oct, 2004

In this day-and-age of "supersizing," people have lost touch with how much food belongs on their plate. "People are unaware of normal food portions," says Dr. John Foreyt, a professor of medicine and director of the Behavioral Medicine Research Center at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. "Increasingly, larger-than-normal food amounts are perceived as normal."

"Supersizing" a fast-food order may seem like a good deal, but when you pay just a few cents more for an order of large fries and a 32-ounce soda, you may be doubling your calories. Foreyt says despite the added fat, the inexpensive, larger fast-food "combo" is the choice of many busy families. "Even children are used to ordering larger servings," he says.

To break the supersize habit, Foreyt recommends knowing your order ahead of time. "Don't be caught in the drive-thru line wondering what you want," he advises. "You are in control of your diet, not a restaurant."