As you may know, I am not a fan of calorie counting. This is because calories are not created equal. For example, mindlessly munching on a bar of chocolate is not the same as enjoying a plate of sliced avocado, drizzled in lemon juice (yum). But can you have too much of a good thing?

We still need to be careful about how much fuel we are putting into our gorgeous bodies to keep our diets balanced. This can be a tricky equation to get right, especially when you consider the mixed messages which our brains are being bombarded with on a daily basis. Restaurant portion sizes can range from the teeny tiny haute cuisine style portions to the heartiest carb laden Sunday roasts- no wonder we are all so confused!

Eating clean does not always guarantee that your nourishing your body effectively. Portion control is really important to ensure that your blood sugar levels are stabilised or if you are worrying about maintaing your weight. If you are overeating, you may still be feeling sluggish and suffering from irregular moods- not fun!

Luckily, there are some simple rules to follow:

What should your plate look like?

1. Protein- a fist sized portion of protein e.g. fish, meat, quinoa.
2. Starchy Foods – a fist sized portion of starchy veg e.g. sweet potato, beetroot.
3. Green Veggies– fill the rest of your plate with glorious green veg! (usually about two handfuls)

Tips for keeping your portions controlled:

• Eat one big plate of food, no second helpings
• Limit dairy and nuts to a sprinkle
• Try not to mindlessly snack between meals
• Plan your meals
• Live a balanced life in general, sleep for 8 hours and try to make time to de-stress!
• Learn what feels right for you; 3 large meals a day or 5 smaller meals?
• Don’t skip meals!

The most important thing is to listen to your body; it takes 30 minutes for your brain to register that your stomach is full so eat slowly, chew your food properly and stop eating when you feel satisfied.

Are you confused about portion control? Do you have any simple tips? Let me know on Twitter: @madeleine_shaw_ Facebook: here, or Instagram @madeleine_shaw #madeleineshaw