When it comes to building balanced meals, precision is key. One helpful method to achieve this is the plate method, a simple way to ensure we’re getting the right mix of nutrients. Start by measuring your food for a week or two to get a sense of proper portion sizes. Then, imagine dividing your plate into sections:
- Fill half your plate with colorful fruits and vegetables. These nutrient-rich foods provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber to keep you feeling full and satisfied. Aim for a variety of colors to ensure you’re getting a wide range of nutrients.
- Reserve a quarter of your plate for lean proteins, such as chicken, turkey, beef, fish, or tofu. Protein is essential for muscle repair and growth, as well as for keeping you feeling full and satisfied between meals.
- The remaining quarter of your plate can be filled with healthy carbohydrates, such as rice, quinoa or starchy vegetables like sweet potatoes. Carbohydrates provide energy for your body and brain, so it’s important to include them in your meals.
By using the plate method, you can easily create balanced meals that provide the nutrients your body needs to thrive. It takes the guesswork out of portion control and ensures you’re getting a good mix of protein, carbohydrates, and vegetables with every meal. To reiterate, the plate method works MUCH better after having weighed and measured your food for a week or two so you have an understanding of what “proper portions” look like.
If you’re interested in learning more about our sustainable eating program at Westchester Fit, please book a call with us – www.westchesterfit.com/free-intro.