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If you go to the movies, stop off at the theatre's concession stand before you watch the season's blockbuster film: it's the same story - big candy bars, bigger tubs of popcorn and drinks the size of a backyard pool. Of course, spend a little extra and you can get a whole lot more - but this bargain in goodies may have its darker side.

The growing trend in North America toward super-sized portions gives new meaning to the expression "Penny wise, pound foolish." There's no doubt that portions of all kinds of food are getting bigger and bigger. Why spend a dollar for an eight ounce soft drink when, for 30 cents more, you can get a thirst-quenching 16 ounce container? (They don't mention that the enormous salt and sugar content will actually make you more thirsty!) Another 15 cents and you can quadruple the amount - a giant- sized 32-ounce drink. (This will also boost your insulin and make you more hungry - all the better for the sellers of snacks!) Along with these gargantuan portions comes an expansion of other sorts - your waistline.

I go to the cinema quite frequently. I make it a point to walk straight past the concession stands. I also have a drink and a snack at home before I set out - for the following reasons:-

Sticking to sensible sized portions can be almost impossible. As you wait in line at the concession stand choosing the one small treat you "promised" yourself, (You are going to the cinema .. that is your treat!) .. chances are the aroma of freshly made popcorn will prove overwhelmingly tempting. and it is only just popcorn - no butter topping added, riiight!!? (When you have to tell yourself "only just" - then "only just" forget it!) At a very popular North American theatre chain, a recent promotion included a free chocolate bar with the purchase of a large popcorn and drink. And, while you're at it, that medium-sized unbuttered bag of popcorn (which the movie chain says contain 521 calories and 20.6 grams of fat) can be "super-sized" to increase the caloric count to 800, with more than 30 grams of fat.

If you think we're bad about large portions in Canada, just visit the United States. Fast-food eateries south of the border, renowned for their ability to satisfy large appetities at bargain prices, are the worst offenders and, as usual, we are following their lead. For example, a regular-sized serving of french fries at McDonald's weighs in at 400 calories and 19 grams of fat. Opt for super size and your body has to deal with 625 calories and 29 grams of fat. Have it along with the chain's sandwich, the Big Xtra with cheese (it contains a whopping 717 calories and 45 grams of fat), and you're looking at almost a day's recommended fat intake if you're male. If you're female, you've gone way over the top. (Recommended daily fat for men, 90 grams; for women, 65).

Coffee shops used to be a sensible person's nightmare because of the doughnuts and assorted baked goods. There are now new pitfalls, although they aren't as obvious. Those upscale coffee chains provide beverages large enough to satisfy the collective thirsts of a family of four. Some of the new flavoured varieties touted at these establishments come with a substantial caloric price tag. For example, some of the new flavoured espressos contain more than 400 calories and approximately 15 grams of fat. One latest size addition at 20 ounces, now outranks the 16 ounce size. Order a non-fat iced latte and you're dealing with a healthy dose of skim milk and calcium. But, opt for a frozen blended drink like a Frappaccino and it's a different story: A Venti Caramel Frapuccino weighs in with a hefty 419 calories and almost 10 grams of fat.

Don't fancy an iced coffee, but still thirst for a cold drink? A stop at a convenience store for a bottled fruit beverage will cost you, too. While they may seem like single-serving sizes, they're often just that bit larger. Drink an entire bottle of Fruitopia (473 millilitres), and you guzzle down more than 350 calories in no time flat.

Bagels, muffins and specialty breads are another growth - and girth - industry. Instead of 180 calories for an old-fashioned bagel, newer versions contain almost 400. As for bread, commercial bakeries have got in on the act by increasing the thickness of bread slices while keeping the loaves the same size. The result is fewer slices per loaf and more loaves puchased. When asked why the slices are bigger, a consumer representative said "Customers found them to be more satisfying." Little wonder when you consider you may be eating the equivalent of four pieces of bread in a sandwich instead of the usual two. (Sandwiches are a real calory-trap at any time and should be avoided).

Old-fashioned muffins were also once a caloric bargain. Chock full of whole grain products such as bran, they provided about 150 calories each. Nowadays, some of these monster muffins - even those containing nutritious ingredients - equal six or seven pieces of bread. And beware: those so-called low-fat varieties can still carry plenty of calories. Simply eating a bagel and a muffin can fill your quota for two days' worth of bread and cereal. A simple way to prevent unknowingly over-doing portions is to check the weight of your bread and cereal options - one ounce of bread or muffin is the equivalent of one piece of bread.

Let's face it: large servings are enticing. But how high a health price are we prepared to pay for that extra treat? Remember, as the amount of food we consume in a single sitting grows, our activity levels plummet and we run the risk of becoming lethargic. Small wonder then that obesity rates in North America are climbing so rapidly.

The next time you are tempted to line up at a concession stand or doughnut shop .. remember this and walk on by!

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