Saving Money With Serving Sizes

Z discovered a secret about me the other day that I have decided to share with the world (or...all 12 of my readers, at least). I'm addicted to serving sizes.

Source: www.withamymac.com

I measure my cereal every morning in a measuring cup, based off what the nutritional label tells me is a serving size. I count out 13 Spicy Thai Kettle Chips to have with my lunch, and I have just about the recommended 2 tablespoons of crunchy, natural peanut butter on my toast each morning. I am that girl. And it has nothing to do with watching my weight.

I was lucky enough to get my Mom's genes - in other words, I am a rather tall, scrawny bean pole who can eat like a freak and not gain anything - although I do always try to eat healthy and not overdo it. The serving sizes, however, came into fruition in college when I was even more broke than I am now - and I realized I was going through a box of cereal in three days because I was eating four servings' worth during a single breakfast. That's when I realized, if I just paid attention to the serving sizes on the labels, I'd be spending less on groceries...and my health would benefit from it in the long run.

I'll admit, the first few times I had a serving size (i.e. a few bites) of pasta, ice cream and peanuts, I thought I was going to die of starvation. But it only took a few weeks for me to get used to the portions, and to realize how much food I was wasting before I simply started paying closer attention.

Now, it takes me at least two weeks to eat a bag of Kettle Chips or a box of cereal, and although I could live off peanut butter alone, one jar still lasts me about four to five weeks. My wallet (and future waistline) thanks me for it.

Do you pay attention to serving sizes?

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