Abstract: The present invention comprises a diet method which is designed to provide the user with a balanced diet while restricting the caloric intake by controlling the portion size in a simple and convenient manner. The method employs an apparatus which is preferably in the shape of a plate comprising a plurality of compartments which are designed to enclose a specified volume of food. The apparatus is used with associated meal cards having a variety of foods listed thereon. The foods are listed in specific sections on the card which correspond to the compartments of the apparatus. The meal cards are positioned such that the food list for a particular compartment fits in the shape of the compartment such that the user can see the selectable food items which may be used to fill the corresponding compartment.