Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) Practice Exam

How can portion control impact nutritional health?

1. It can help prevent overeating and manage weight effectively

2. It encourages larger servings

3. It reduces the variety of foods

4. It has no impact on health

The correct answer is: It can help prevent overeating and manage weight effectively

Portion control plays a significant role in nutritional health primarily by helping to prevent overeating and manage weight effectively. When portion sizes are appropriately regulated, individuals can consume adequate nutrients without exceeding their caloric needs. This practice allows for mindful eating, where one becomes more aware of the amount of food being consumed and can better recognize hunger and fullness cues. Managing portion sizes can lead to healthier overall dietary patterns, as smaller servings can help individuals avoid the common pitfall of consuming excess energy, which is a major contributing factor to weight gain and obesity. Additionally, effective portion control can support balanced nutrition by enabling individuals to include a variety of foods from all food groups without overindulging in any particular category, leading to a more diverse and healthful diet. In contrast, larger servings can lead to unintentional overeating, reducing the variety of foods can limit essential nutrients, and the belief that portion control has no impact on health overlooks its critical role in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.