Q&A: Portion sizes

Q: Wanted to ask you about portion sizes I read that on a paleo diet you should have enough to satisfy you for 4-6 hours, so I’m trying to keep it to a palm size of meat/protein and the rest veggies. So is eating a bigger than normal size portion of vegetables ok? I haven’t been too hungry in between meals and I haven’t cheated at all, so I’m hoping I’m doing it right
A: Yup, you’re doing great! That amount of protein is a perfect start. And as far as veggies go it’s pretty hard to overeat them, especially the darker green ones. Good job!
Just be careful to avoid ‘starchy’ vegetables if you’re trying to improve your body composition.
Peas, parsnips, potatoes, pumpkin, squash, zucchini and yams are all examples of starchy vegetables. Non-starchy vegetables are typically flowering parts of the plant. Lettuce, asparagus, broccoli, cauliflower, cucumber, spinach, mushrooms, onions, peppers and tomatoes are all considered non-starchy vegetables.
Are you getting any good fats at your meals? A little bit of Extra Virgin Olive Oil, some sliced avocado, a few olives or a small handful of nuts will do nicely.img_9279

2 thoughts on “Q&A: Portion sizes”

  1. Just a recommendation: Don’t think you should say to completely avoid starchy vegetables. People are going to get the wrong idea and think that because starchy vegetables are carbs, that they should be avoided. Current health guidelines recommend 65% of calories coming from carbs (complex, not simple), and examples of complex carbs are pretty much everything you guys said to avoid.

  2. CrossFit MASS

    Thanks, Austin. You’ll notice we prefaced our statement about starch carbs with ‘if you’re trying to improve body composition’ A lot of people eat far more starchy and simple carbohydrate than their age and actively level can safely support.

people working out in a group fitness class

Personalized Health starts here.

Talk with a coach to see if working out at Mass Strength and Conditioning is right for you.
Book a Free Consult