Building a Balanced Plate: A Simple Guide to Everyday Nutrition

March is National Nutrition Month, a great time to focus on healthy eating. The foods we eat each day help support our health. One simple way to improve nutrition is by building balanced meals.

Start with Fruits and Vegetables

Start by filling about half of your plate with fruits and vegetables. These foods provide fiber, vitamins, and minerals that help support immune health, digestion, and overall wellness. Fresh, frozen, and canned fruits and vegetables can all be good options.

Add Lean Protein

Next, include a lean source of protein. Protein helps build and repair muscles and can help you stay full longer after meals. Good options include chicken, fish, beans, eggs, tofu, Greek yogurt, and lean cuts of meat. Plant-based proteins like beans and lentils are also great choices.

Choose Whole Grains

The rest of your plate can include whole grains or other healthy carbohydrates such as brown rice, quinoa, whole-grain pasta, oats, or sweet potatoes. These foods provide steady energy to help fuel your day and support heart health.

Include Healthy Fats

You can also include healthy fats as part of a balanced meal. Foods like avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil help support heart health and help your body absorb important nutrients.

🥗 What Might a Balanced Plate Look Like?

Balanced meals can look different for everyone. Here are a few simple examples:

• Breakfast: Scrambled eggs with whole-grain toast, sliced avocado, and fruit
• Lunch: Grilled chicken salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, quinoa, and olive oil dressing
• Dinner: Baked salmon with roasted vegetables and brown rice
• Snack idea: Apple slices with peanut butter or whole-grain crackers with cheese

Related to: 

• Lifestyle & Nutrition