Learn What a Healthy Meal Plan Looks Like
Creating a balanced and healthy meal plan does not have to be an extremely difficult task. Yes, it can be tricky considering you have to choose from a variety of foods, but your knowledge about nutrients found in different foods can make things easier. Alternatively, you can use online meal delivery services that prepare everything and deliver it to your doorstep. Even when you use those services, it is important to check that you have all the right stuff in your plate.
Eat Lots of Fruits and Veggies When it comes to eating healthy, you need to ensure that you load up on fruits and veggies. In fact, half of your plate should consist of fruits and veggies. However, it depends more on your calorie needs, but these recommendations are quite true for anyone following a 2,000-calorie diet plan. Ideally, you should not be eating any less than 2.5 cups of veggies and 2 cups of fruits a day. Be sure to include a range of colorful fruits and veggies in your diet.
Opt for Grains Ensure you have the right amount of grains available in your diet. Experts believe that 25% of your meal should consist of grains. You should also opt for whole-grain products, no matter if you are going for an English muffin, cooked brown rice, or even a sandwich. The best thing about whole grains is that they provide you with dietary fiber. Increasing your intake of fiber helps you to lose weight because it keeps you full longer. It suppresses appetite and makes it easier for you to stick to a low-calorie diet.
Add Protein to Your Diet Your meals should contain high quality protein sources. In fact, 25% of your plate should consider of lean protein. You can opt for some cuts of beef, fat-free dairy products, beans, and white meat poultry. Lentils and beans also provide you with protein as well as fiber. Moreover, you can also include eggs in your meals to increase your intake of protein.