Creating a balanced diet isn’t just about eating less; it’s about including all the important food groups in a fun and easy way. Here are some tips to help you add all food groups to your meals:
Let’s go over the five main food groups:
Try using the "MyPlate" method. This means half of your plate should have fruits and vegetables, one-quarter should be grains, and the last quarter should be protein. This helps you see what a balanced meal looks like.
Example:
For lunch, make a colorful salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and carrots (half your plate). Then add a quarter plate of quinoa (grains) and top it with grilled chicken (protein). For dairy, add some feta cheese or a side of yogurt.
Set aside time each week to plan your meals. Make sure to include a mix of food groups in every meal. When you prepare your meals, keep things interesting.
Example:
On Sundays, you could make meals like:
Look for recipes that use many food groups. For example, a veggie chili can have beans (protein), tomatoes (vegetables), corn (grains), and spices for flavor.
Pick snacks that mix food groups for added benefits. Instead of just eating an apple (fruit), try pairing it with peanut butter (protein) for a snack that keeps you full longer.
Pay attention to how different foods make you feel. Change your meals based on your energy needs, cravings, or goals.
Don’t be afraid to explore new ingredients that fit into your food groups. Try dishes from different cultures that mix food groups in one meal.
You don’t have to make every meal fancy. Simple food combinations can be tasty and healthy. For example, a yogurt parfait with berries (fruit), granola (grains), and nuts (protein) is easy to make and yummy!
Adding all food groups to your meals takes a little planning and creativity, but it’s not too hard. Use these tips to keep your meals balanced, interesting, and tasty, so your body gets the nutrients it needs. Happy eating!
Creating a balanced diet isn’t just about eating less; it’s about including all the important food groups in a fun and easy way. Here are some tips to help you add all food groups to your meals:
Let’s go over the five main food groups:
Try using the "MyPlate" method. This means half of your plate should have fruits and vegetables, one-quarter should be grains, and the last quarter should be protein. This helps you see what a balanced meal looks like.
Example:
For lunch, make a colorful salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and carrots (half your plate). Then add a quarter plate of quinoa (grains) and top it with grilled chicken (protein). For dairy, add some feta cheese or a side of yogurt.
Set aside time each week to plan your meals. Make sure to include a mix of food groups in every meal. When you prepare your meals, keep things interesting.
Example:
On Sundays, you could make meals like:
Look for recipes that use many food groups. For example, a veggie chili can have beans (protein), tomatoes (vegetables), corn (grains), and spices for flavor.
Pick snacks that mix food groups for added benefits. Instead of just eating an apple (fruit), try pairing it with peanut butter (protein) for a snack that keeps you full longer.
Pay attention to how different foods make you feel. Change your meals based on your energy needs, cravings, or goals.
Don’t be afraid to explore new ingredients that fit into your food groups. Try dishes from different cultures that mix food groups in one meal.
You don’t have to make every meal fancy. Simple food combinations can be tasty and healthy. For example, a yogurt parfait with berries (fruit), granola (grains), and nuts (protein) is easy to make and yummy!
Adding all food groups to your meals takes a little planning and creativity, but it’s not too hard. Use these tips to keep your meals balanced, interesting, and tasty, so your body gets the nutrients it needs. Happy eating!