Test your knowledge

Supersized portions are one reason for an increasing number of overweight Americans. Even if we don't clean our plate, we're still more likely to overeat, some research indicates.

What's normal? What's too big? The "Portion Distortion" quiz, from the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, shows what a typical portion looked like 20 years ago, what it looks like today and how much physical activity it will take to burn off the extra calories.

Test your knowledge of the right-size serving with these questions. For more -- including fries, cookies, burgers, pizza, coffee and chicken Caesar salad -- go to http://hin.nhlbi.nih.gov/portion.

1. A turkey sandwich 20 years ago had 320 calories. How many calories do you think are in today's portion?

A. 820.

B. 510.

C. 630.

2. How long will you have to ride a bike in order to burn those extra calories?

A. 45 minutes.

B. One hour and 25 minutes.

C. Two hours and 15 minutes.

3. Chicken stir-fry was 435 calories 20 years ago (for a 2-cup portion). How many calories do you think are in today's common portion of chicken stir-fry?

A. 625.

B. 550.

C. 865.

4. How long will you have to do aerobic dance in order to burn the extra calories?

A. Three hours

B. One hour and five minutes

C. Two hours and 10 minutes

ANSWERS

1. A. Today's 10-inch turkey sandwich has 820 calories. This is 500 calories more than a portion 20 years ago.

2. B. If you ride a bike for 1 hour and 25 minutes, you will burn approximately 500 calories (based on a 160-pound person).

3. C. Chicken stir-fry is often 865 calories. Many restaurant entrees are large enough for two people. Share with a friend, or eat half and take the rest home.

4. B. If you do aerobic dance for 1 hour and 5 minutes, you will burn 430 calories (based on a 130-pound person).

MORE SUGGESTIONS FOR PROPER PORTIONS

Here are other suggestions for choosing the correct portion size.

Know what you're getting. Check a restaurant's Web site for nutrition information, or ask before ordering. Panera Bread and Ruby Tuesday are among a handful of fast-casual restaurants that provide nutrition information for all their offerings, not just the low-fat or low-carbohydrate ones. Most fast-food chains also provide nutrition information. Order wisely by studying your choices.

Doggy-bag it. If you're ordering at a restaurant, request that half your meal be placed in a takeout container before it's served to you, or do it yourself at the table before starting to eat, and save it for the next day's lunch.

Use visual cues. A serving of meat should be no bigger than a deck of cards; a portion of pasta, about the size of a tennis ball; an ounce of cheese (1 serving), about four dice.

Fill up on fruits and vegetables, especially vegetables. You'll get beneficial nutrients, antioxidants -- and a full stomach. Just make sure they're not covered in a calorie-rich sauce or salad dressing, or prepared with pork fat or lots of sugar, such as sweet potatoes with mini marshmallows.

Baby Chips

Well I might not have children, or wish to have any, but I did find some of this to be humourious, I hope everyone else finds it of some humour as well take care everyone.

Q. Should I have a baby after 35?
A. No, 35 children is enough.

Q. When will my baby move?
A. With any luck, right after he finishes high school.

Q. How will I know if my vomiting is morning sickness or the flu?
A. If it’s the flu, you’ll get better.

Q. Since I became pregnant, my breasts, rear-end, and even my feet have grown. Is there anything that gets smaller during pregnancy?
A. Yes, your bladder.

Q. What is the most common pregnancy craving?
A. For men to be the ones who get pregnant.

Q. What is the most reliable method to determine a baby’s sex?
A. Childbirth.

Q. The more pregnant I get, the more often strangers smile at me. Why?
A. ‘Cause you’re fatter than they are.

Q. My wife is five months pregnant and so moody that sometimes she’s borderline irrational.
A. So what’s your question?

Q. What’s the difference between a nine-month pregnant woman and a model?
A. Nothing, if the pregnant woman’s husband knows what’s good for him.

Q. How long is the average woman in labor?
A. Whatever she says, divided by two.

Q. My childbirth instructor says it’s not pain I’ll feel during labor,
but pressure. Is she right? A. Yes, in the same way that a tornado might be called an air current.

Q. When is the best time to get an epidural?
A. Right after you find out you’re pregnant.

Q. Is there any reason I have to be in the delivery room while my wife is in labor?
A. Not unless the word “alimony” means anything to you.

Q. What does it mean when the baby’s head is crowning?
A. It means you feel as though not only a crown but the entire throne is trying to make its way out of you.

Q. Is there anything I should avoid while recovering from childbirth?
A. Yes, pregnancy.

Q. Does pregnancy cause hemorrhoids?
A. Pregnancy causes anything you want to blame it for.

Q. Where is the best place to store breast milk?
A. In your breasts.

Q. Is there a safe alternative to breast pumps?
A. Yes, baby lips.

Q. What does it mean when a baby is born with teeth?
A. It means that the baby’s mother may want to rethink her plans to nurse.

Q. How does one sanitize nipples?
A. Bathe daily and wear a clean bra. It beats boiling them in a saucepan.

Q. What are the terrible twos?
A. Your breasts after baby stops nursing cold turkey.

Q. What is the best time to wean the baby from nursing?
A. When you see teeth marks.

Q. Do I have to have a baby shower?
A. Not if you change the baby’s diaper very quickly.

Q. Our baby was born last week. When will my wife begin to feel and act normal again?
A. When the kids are in college.