food portion control gadgets

11 must-have food portion control containers and gadgets

If you’ve ever dumped half a box of pasta in a boiling pot of water and called it a meal, then this is for you. Because even though you meticulously check the nutrition labels on your favorite foods, you’re consuming way more calories if you don’t adhere to the serving size. (Let’s face it, 10 fistfuls of chips does not a serving size make.)

That’s why we scoured the Web and found 11 portion control containers and gadgets to help keep your portions — and waistlines — in check.

Spencer Bento Box Containers

Spencer Bento Box Containers

So, yes, we found this bento box from Pottery Barn Kids, but we think it will work just fine for your work lunches. Made of a durable plastic, the box contains five compartments to keep all elements of your meal separate.

Portion Control Pasta Basket

Portion Control Pasta Basket

As we’ve said before, it’s really hard to portion out pasta. If you’re looking to stick to one serving size, try the Portion Control Pasta Basket, which provides a contained cooking size for a single serving. The handle, which has a built-in measuring hole for spaghetti, rests on the edge of the pot while your pasta is cooking. It even has a strainer, so once the pasta is done, just lift, drain and serve.

Microwaveable Ceramic Portion Control Bowls

Microwaveable Ceramic Portion Control Bowls

Portioning out snacks into a bowl is a great way to keep your serving sizes to a minimum — but only if you don’t fill the bowl to the very top. These ceramic bowls have measurement markings right in the bowl, which means no more guessing.

Meal Measure

Meal Measure

At this point we all know what percentage of our plate each food group should take up. But easier said than done. Check out the Meal Measure, which contains four cavities of the device labeled with each food group (vegetable or fruit, starch and protein), with 1 cup and 1/2-cup indications. It follows the MyPlate serving sizes.

Just a Slice Cake Pan

Just a Slice Cake Pan

Are you one of those people who cuts a slice of cake, but really it’s like two slices in one — or three? Enter the Just a Slice Cake Pan, which is divided into eight slices so you can’t cheat (unless you eat more than one section).

Healthy Steps Portion Control Dressing Cruet

Healthy Steps Portion Control Dressing Cruet

When dressing salad, nothing is easier than overdoing it on the ranch or vinaigrette. The Portion Control Dressing Cruet holds a single 2-tablespoon serving of dressing in the top chamber, so you never drown your salad again. Three premeasured salad dressing recipes are embossed on the bottle along with measurements.

The Portion Plate

The Portion Plate

So you’ve seen portion-control plates before, but The Portion Plate completely takes the guesswork out of choosing the right size for each element of your meal. Just look down at your plate: There’s a picture that mimics the exact portion for your protein, starch, veggies and fruits.

Dip Clip

Dip Clip

If you’ve never overindulged in dip, salsa or guacamole, we’re calling your bluff. The Dip Clip will keep your dip size in check. Simply fill the cup and attach it to the side of your plate.

Black + Blum Lunch Pot

Black + Blum Lunch Pot

Carry your lunch to work in style with the black+blum’s lunch pot, which includes two pots with a watertight locking seal.

Automatic Pet Feeder

Automatic Pet Feeder

Portion control is not just important for humans. Your pets need to stay at a healthy weight as well. This programmable pet feeder uses a patented flexible drive that delivers an exact amount of food every time (from 2 tablespoons to 6 cups). The hopper holds up to 10 pounds of moist or dry kibble and can be programmed for up to five feedings a day with the LCD control panel.

Ice Cube Tray

Ice Cube Tray

Sometimes, portion-control gadgets are right under your nose. Like the good ‘ole ice cube tray. Snack Girl recommends using it to keep your cookie eating to a minimum — in more ways than one. First, it keeps the actual size of the cookie from reaching gargantuan proportions. And second, it’s a perfect place to save (and freeze) the uncooked dough.