How much pasta do you need?

Did you know that one serving of pasta is a ½ cup cooked, or a portion about the size of half a baseball or rounded handful?

Depending on gender, age and level of physical activity, most Americans need between four and eight servings of grains each day. Heaping plates of pasta may end up providing more calorie-dense carbohydrates than you need.

For a well-balanced meal, try limiting portions of pasta to ½- ¾ cup; consider whole wheat, if available; and include plenty of vegetables and lean meat, fish, chicken or tofu.