One of the behavior modification goals I have had as I am working on both losing weight but also eventually keeping it off is "getting to know" what a "normal" serving size is. It does differ with different food items so
again
you need to go back to the box or package label and read what the food manufacturer has determined that is for
their product (yes, it differs even from manufacturer to manufacturer!).
The next step that I have done is then I measure that out, whatever the label is. Do that a couple of times so that you can "eyeball" what a "normal" portion size is THEN when you are away from home and/or your measuring cups/spoons you will KNOW what it looks like and then you can determine how much you want to eat or have eaten.
A
general rule of thumb is that 1 c of pasta,rice, mashed potatoes or ice cream is about the size of your closed fist. However, since people's fists also are different in size I would first do what I suggested above before applying this
general rule of thumb (or fist)
I feel that by doing this initial prep work allows me to feel more at ease in any "food situation" where I need to KNOW HOW MUCH I am eating.
There is no worst feeling than adding up the calories, points or whatever
after the fact and realizing that although your intention was to eat within your plan, you did not!
I hope all of these great suggestions work for you so the next time you have pasta you will leave feeling satisfied in more ways than one!