Do you think people would be surprised to realize how much they’re really eating?
People are completely clueless. I do a lot of counseling at NYU. In my counseling, I explain to people that a typical bagel equates to five pieces of bread. A typical pasta portion equals six servings. Why does pasta make you fat in America and not in Italy? It’s all about the portions.

How do people get a handle on their portion sizes?
You have to first figure out what you’re doing wrong. You want to learn to eyeball and estimate how much is on your plate. When you’re at home, weigh your food using a food scale.

What will portion control accomplish?
You’re going to trim your calories. It’s also going to enable you to eat everything you want to eat. You don’t have to cut out certain foods or food groups which at the end of the day is a diet you can’t live with. Do something practical. Trim your portions and you’ll trim your calories. It’s that simple. The goal is to eat a little more healthier foods so when you cut the calories of unhealthy foods you don’t feel so deprived.

Do you have to watch all of your portions?
We’re not worried about fruits and vegetables. Bananas and carrots aren’t the problem. That’s not what caused people to become overweight in America. People didn’t get bigger eating fruits and vegetables.

Why is the Portion Teller Plan so effective?
They don’t’ feel deprive. They are allowed to eat all of the foods they want to eat and it works because it isn’t like they need some mystical magical combination of something. If you want to lose weight without feeling deprived or like you’re on a diet, just trim your portions. Start small. You don’t have to do everything at once. Banning food is not practical. Instead of having two cookies, eat one cookie along with some berries.