Which of the following is a dietary guideline for portion control?

Using smaller plates and bowls is an effective dietary guideline for portion control as it can influence the amount of food consumed. When people use smaller dishware, it often leads to serving and eating smaller portions, which can help prevent overeating. The visual cue of a fuller plate on a smaller dish can create a perception of satisfaction, even if the actual amount of food is less. This method leverages the psychology of portion size, making it a practical strategy for managing caloric intake without the need for measuring food or restricting choices drastically.

The other suggestions, while they may have their respective benefits for overall health, do not directly align with the principle of portion control. For example, drinking more water before meals can aid in hydration and possibly reduce appetite, but it does not specifically address the size of the portions eaten. Limiting the number of meals per day pertains more to meal frequency rather than controlling the portions consumed during each meal. Additionally, the idea of always finishing everything on your plate can encourage overeating, countering the goal of portion control. Therefore, using smaller plates and bowls stands out as the best strategy for managing portion sizes effectively.