27/12/2022
MEAL PLAN #1
Healthy Balanced Diet
Source: https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/healthy-eating-plate/
If you're not planning to lose nor gain weight and just wishes to remain healthy, this meal plan is perfect for you!
1. Vegetables and fruit should take up the majority of your plate at each meal.
Remember that potatoes don't count as vegetables on the Healthy Eating Plate due to their detrimental effects on blood sugar and strive for color and diversity.
2. 1/4 of your plate should be whole grains. White bread, white rice, and other refined grains have a stronger impact on blood sugar and insulin than whole and intact grains like whole wheat, barley, wheat berries, quinoa, oats, and dishes made with them like whole wheat pasta.
3. 1/4 of your plate should be protein. All of these nutritious, adaptable protein sources — fish, poultry, beans, and nuts — can be included into salads and go well with veggies on a plate. Avoid processed meats like bacon and sausage and limit your consumption of red meat.
4. Use healthy plant oils sparingly. Avoid partly hydrogenated oils, which contain harmful trans fats, and opt instead for healthy vegetable oils like olive, canola, soy, corn, sunflower, peanut, and others. Keep in mind that "healthy" does not equate to "low-fat."
5. Drink coffee, tea, or water. Avoid sugary beverages, consume one to two servings of milk and dairy products daily, and just one small glass of juice.
6. Remain active. The placemat for the Healthy Eating Plate features a red figure to serve as a visual reminder that exercise is crucial for maintaining a healthy weight.