Personalized Portion Guide For

Sarah Garrett

Use this simple guide to build balanced meals anywhere — no tracking, no weighing. Your hand is your portion tool — always with you, perfectly sized for you.

HOW IT WORKS

Each meal, aim for a balance of protein, carbs, veggies, and healthy fats. Use your hand as your measuring tool — it keeps portions realistic and flexible.

WHY THIS WORKS

✅ No measuring or tracking apps
✅ Easy to adjust up or down
✅ Works at home, restaurants, or on the go
✅ Naturally keeps your meals balanced

Protein: Palm-sized portion

Protein

Protein plays a crucial role in muscle repair and growth, which can help you maintain an active lifestyle. For your fitness goals, having adequate protein intake is vital to support your energy levels and keep you feeling satisfied.

Good sources of protein include low-fat Greek yogurt, eggs, chicken breast, turkey, tuna, and tofu. These fit well with your current preferences and dietary choices.

To easily incorporate protein into your meals, consider adding a scoop of protein powder to your smoothies, include a serving of chicken or tuna in your salads, or scramble eggs for breakfast. Tofu is great for stir-fries and can be seasoned to your liking.

You should aim for 5 hand-sized servings of protein each day.

Carbohydrates: Cupped hand-sized portion

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are the primary source of energy for your workouts and daily activities. Consuming the right amount helps maintain your energy levels, allowing you to perform well both mentally and physically throughout the day.

For healthy carbohydrate sources, focus on brown rice, potatoes, beans, fruits (like berries), and whole-grain bread. Your current meals already include many of these options.

Incorporate carbs easily by having a serving of brown rice with your dinners, adding berries to your breakfast yogurt, or including a piece of whole-grain bread with your lunch sandwiches. These choices align well with your lunch and dinner preferences.

Strive for 8 hand-sized servings of carbohydrates per day.

Fats: Thumb-sized portion

Fats

Healthy fats are essential for hormone production and overall cellular function. They also help you absorb fat-soluble vitamins, which can support your general health and fitness aspirations.

Include sources of healthy fats such as avocados, nuts, olive oil, and seeds. While these foods may not appear in your typical meals, they can easily complement your current diet.

To add healthy fats, drizzle olive oil on your salads, snack on a handful of nuts during busy work periods, or add avocado slices to any meal. These options can enhance flavors and provide good nutrition.

You're aiming for 4 hand-sized servings of fats each day.

Vegetables: Fist-sized portions

Vegetables

Vegetables are vital for their vitamins, minerals, and fiber content. They help support digestion and are linked to overall health, assisting in achieving and maintaining fitness goals.

Focus on using a variety of vegetables you enjoy, such as broccoli, chard, and leafy greens. These fit well with your current meal preferences.

For practical incorporation, add a mix of vegetables to your stir-frys or include plenty of salad greens with your lunches and dinners. Aim to vary the colors and types for maximal nutrient benefits.

You should consume 6–8 hand-sized servings of vegetables daily.

EXAMPLE MEAL

Here's what it could look like

Example Day of Eating

Breakfast: Smoothie with 1 hand of protein (Greek yogurt) and 1 hand of carbs (berries) - Total: 1 protein, 1 carb.

Lunch: Salad with 2 hands of vegetables, 2 hands of protein (chicken) and 1 hand of carbs (whole-grain bread) - Total: 2 protein, 1 carb, 2 vegetables.

Dinner: Tofu stir fry with 3 hands of vegetables, 1 hand of protein (tofu), 2 hands of carbs (brown rice) and 1 hand of fats (olive oil) - Total: 1 protein, 2 carbs, 3 vegetables, 1 fat.

Snacks: 1 hand of nuts (fat) and 1 hand of Greek yogurt (protein) - Total: 1 protein, 1 fat.

Daily Totals: 5 protein, 8 carbs, 4 fats, 6–8 vegetables. This day balances out your portions and incorporates meals you already enjoy.

QUICK TIP

  • Eat slowly and stop when you feel about 80% full — you can always eat more if you’re still hungry later.
  • If you’re hungrier on training days, add an extra fist of veggies or half a palm of protein.
  • Still unsure? Take a photo of your plate and send it to your coach for feedback.
  • Keep it simple. Build your plate. Eat mindfully. Feel good.