11 must-have portion-control gadgets

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.