I love the holidays and all of the interesting recipes that go along with them. I love to bake (and eat) the holiday cookies, candies, fudge, cupcakes and anything else that is sweet! When it comes to how much to eat I always wondered how much was too much. So, in my new book, I have a chapter devoted to “Eat Healthy – Be Healthy” and in this chapter I have a section for serving size examples. I wanted to share that with you so that you can enjoy the holiday goodies and not over stuff your belly!

• Tip of your thumb = about one teaspoon of peanut butter
• Computer mouse = one serving of a baked potato
• CD (compact disc) = the serving size of a waffle or pancake
• Checkbook = a 3-ounce serving of fish
• Rounded handful = ½ cup cooked or raw rice or pasta
• Baseball or size of your fist = one serving of vegetable or fruit
• Tennis ball = ½ cup of food or ½ cup ice cream
• Golf ball or large egg = ¼ cup of dried fruit or nuts
• Six dice or one domino = one serving of cheese
• Deck of cards or the palm of your hand = a serving of meat, fish, or poultry

And if you do eat too much over the holidays, all is not lost. Just pick yourself up, dust yourself off and watch those portions!

Happy Holidays!