In my wanderings through Natural Products Expo West in Anaheim several years ago, I came across Measure Up Bowls, the most brilliant weight control tools I’ve seen.
Recognizing portion size
The idea is ridiculously simple: You achieve portion control by eating your food out of one of two attractive white ceramic bowls that have subtle measurement markings. That’s it.
Now I’m guilty of the sin of failing to recognize correct portions. How much is a ½ cup serving of cereal (not to speak of ice cream)? Like most of us, I overestimate the size of the portions I’m eating, so this simple and effective tool is reining me back in.
Bowl creator lost 80 pounds
It certainly did the job for Heather Harvey, creator of the bowls. After the birth of her first child, Heather was eager to shed those extra baby pounds. Inspired by her personal trainer to take careful note of her portion sizes, Heather began a search of attractive bowls that would help her measure her food without having to wash a separate measuring cup. She looked for measuring bowls that wouldn’t call attention to her diet plan, but there were none on the market.
So Heather took the bull by the horns, developed her own bowls and got a patent for them. The rest is history. She shed 80 extra pounds and created a lucrative business with this simple idea.
A set with a large bowl holding up to 2 cups and a smaller one that holds up to ¾ cup sells for around $30. The Measure Up team is currently developing a non-toxic version with snap-on lids for portable purposes
I love this idea because of its simplicity, elegance, inventiveness and practicality. Thanks for the gift of a set, Heather. I’m using them!
On the topic of portion control…I think this product has just come out, since I can’t find it in stores. I ordered it online from http://www.PortionControl.net since they offer free shipping. It’s definitely a why-didn’t-I-think-of-that product, and it really helps me with daily portion control, while making my cooking easier and tastier. I LOVE THEM. It’s really a nifty idea, and I recommend it if you like cooking at home but are struggling with eating right.