Let's talk balanced meals

What the heck is a “balanced meal” and what is it supposed to look like?

A balanced meal not only satisfies your taste buds but also keeps you full until your next meal or snack, balances blood sugar, and provides your body with a variety of needed nutrients!

While I do use MyPlate and believe it’s a helpful guide, as a basic template, balanced meals contain a protein source + carbohydrate source + fat source. I also recommend fruits or vegetables, or both, at each meal if possible. Each of these contains a different array of nutrients, which is why it’s important that we include all food groups in our diet.

Foods that contain mostly protein include fish, poultry, beef, pork, eggs, tofu and soy based products.

Foods that contain mostly carbohydrates include grains and grain based products (crackers, bread, pasta, rice, etc), starchy vegetables (sweet and white potatoes, corn, peas).

Foods that contain mostly fats include oils, butter, nuts and nut butters, seeds, and cheese.

As an example, my balanced meal: pork tenderloin (my protein), asparagus cooked in olive oil (fat + veggies), and roasted sweet potato also cooked in olive oil (fat + carbohydrate) and some Dijon for dipping.

DON’T FORGET that balanced meals should also satisfy your taste buds! Happy Thursday friends!