05/18/2024                                                                            
                                    
                                                                            
                                            How to build a healthy plate 🍽️
💗 Step 1: Add your vegetables (75% of your plate):
Fill a significant portion of your plate with a variety of colorful vegetables to ensure you're getting a wide range of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. A large salad or a salad with another cooked vegetable is a good place to start. Aim for a mix of:
▪️ Leafy greens like spinach, kale, and Swiss chard
▪️ Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts
▪️ Bell peppers
▪️ Tomatoes
▪️ Carrots
▪️ Zucchini
▪️ Mushrooms
▪️ Onions
▪️ Eggplant
💗 Step 2: Add a protein source (25% of your plate)
Protein is essential for muscle repair, hormone production, and overall health. Choose lean sources of protein and vary your choices for optimal nutrition. Examples include:
▪️ Skinless poultry (chicken or turkey)
▪️ Fish (salmon, tuna, trout, pickerel, local fish)
▪️ Lean cuts of beef or pork
▪️ Tofu or tempeh (for vegetarians and vegans)
▪️  Eggs
▪️  Dairy products such as Greek yogurt or cottage cheese
▪️  Legumes and beans
💗 Step 3: Add fat for flavor
Incorporate healthy fats into your meals to add flavor and promote satiety. Choose sources of unsaturated fats, such as:
▪️ Avocado
▪️ Olive oil
▪️ Nuts (almonds, walnuts, cashews) - add to salads
▪️ Seeds (chia seeds, flaxseeds, pumpkin seeds) - add to salads or dressings or use as a crust on fish and meat dishes
▪️ Fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines)
▪️ Nut butters (peanut butter, almond butter)
▪️ Coconut oil (use in moderation)
💗 Step 4: If needed OR desired add 1 serving of low glycemic carbohydrates (½ cup):
Opt for carbohydrates that have a lower glycemic index to help manage blood sugar levels and provide sustained energy. Examples include:
▪️ Quinoa
▪️ Brown rice or local Manitoban wild rice
▪️ Sweet potatoes
▪️ Barley
▪️ Legumes such as lentils, chickpeas, and black beans
▪️ Fruit
By following these guidelines, you can create a balanced and nutritious plate that provides a variety of essential nutrients while promoting overall health and well-being. 
Questions? Drop them in the comments! 👇