Measuring Up

Do you think your bowl of cereal in the morning is equal to one serving size? It is surprising to most people to measure out what they thought was a serving size and find out it is more than one serving. In order to do this, one would need proper measuring utensils.

A dry measuring cup set most generally consists of 1/4, 1/3, 1/2, 2/3, 3/4, and 1 cup. These would be used for any dry ingredient, for example cereal. The reason you would use this tool is to fill it level to the top of the measuring cup and level it off and then it would be an accurate measurement.

A liquid measuring cup is sometimes plastic or glass with measurements written on the side at 1/4, 1/3, 1/2, 2/3, 3/4, 1 cup. You then measure by pouring the liquid into the cup. Questions are asked why not measure my milk in the dry measuring cup? Although it is the same amount you can’t accurately measure liquid in a dry measuring cup and then carry it to the bowl without spillage. This is why it is important to use the correct measuring utensil.

A good way to teach children to become aware of the amount they are eating is to practice measuring food according to the food labels. Take a box of cereal and look at the label. Many cereals are ¾ cup for one serving. Have the child pour the amount of cereal into a bowl what he would eat. Then take the measuring cup and pour the cereal into the cup to see if it fits. Most times it will run over. You can do this with other dry ingredients. If weight is an issue measuring serving sizes could be a good practice to become aware of how much food is consumed.

By Carol Carlton R.N.
Nurse Consultant
Child Care Resource & Referral - SDA 10