It is hard to build a healthy plate of food. You may not know whether to include vegetables or fruits, fish or meat, or other types of foods. And, you may not know how much of each to include in your meal. Thankfully, there is a guide you can use the next time you make a meal to help you build a healthy plate of food.
Keep reading to find out.
Non-Starchy Vegetables
Half of your plate should include non-starchy vegetables. You could choose Brussel sprouts, broccoli, peppers, or green beans. These vegetables are lower in calories and sugar, and are rich in fibre. Just half a plate of non-starchy vegetables a day can help you meet your daily recommended vegetable intake. If you don’t eat non-starchy vegetables often, you could also buy them frozen so they don’t go bad as quickly.
Lean Protein
One quarter of your plate should be lean protein. Chicken, pork, beef tenderloin, fish and eggs are examples of lean proteins. Although these proteins can be medium-high in calories, they are low in fat. Your body also needs protein when losing weight or building muscle, which can help you reach your fitness goals.
Whole Grains
The other quarter of your plate should be whole grains. Brown rice, quinoa, mashed potatoes, and butternut squash are examples of healthy whole grains. Whole grains also can be medium-high in calories, but they have a significant amount of fibre. This will help you feel full after your meal and satisfied.
Dessert
If your favourite time of day is when you get to treat yourself with dessert, don’t feel as though you should stop. Having have a cup of berries, an apple, banana, or orange, are healthy desserts that won’t impact the healthy plate of food you made.
To learn more about keeping your body healthy, visit your nearest Herbal One Centre and speak to one of our nutrition counsellors.
If you liked this blog, check out this one on, “How Eating Too Little Can Prevent Weight Loss.”