Eating a balanced meal is easier than it sounds. We have broken down our top tips to building a balanced meal to keep you fuller for longer and make sure you get all those essential nutrients you need to live a healthy life!
1. Include a source of protein
Protein is an essential macronutrient that helps you to stay fuller for longer. Protein take the body a lot longer to break down, meaning that it is a slow release of energy. Keep it lean with delicious chicken breast or fresh fish, salmon is our favourite for those added benefits of healthy fats! Most aussies actually eat too much protein, keep your portion size small and eat it regularly throughout the day as protein can’t be stored in the body.
2. Include something green
Load on the greens. Whether it be spinach, mixed leaves or rocket greens are low in calories and packed full of benefits. They are a great way to fill up your plate and give you a good dose of phytonutrients, antioxidants and vitamins.
3. Include those wholegrains or starchy carbs
This isn’t a time to shy away from wholegrains. Try and include a source of wholegrains on your plate every day. Whether it be brown rice, quinoa, freekeh, sweet potato or our much-loved LOVE Potatoes. Carbohydrates are an essential macronutrient in our diet that provide us with the energy and fibre we need! Aim to fill ¼ plate with wholegrains or starchy carbs.
4. Fill up half of your plate with fruits and veggies
Keep it colourful and the vitamins and minerals will follow! Don’t know what we are talking about? Read out latest article on ‘Eat the Rainbow’ to get the downlow on the colours of your favourite vegetables!
5. Load up on the healthy fats
Yes fat can be healthy, and no fat won’t make your fat! Healthy fats are great for brain health, even being linked to reduced risk of Alzheimer’s. Try and include one source of healthy fats on your plate at every meal time – our favourites: avocado, salmon, almonds, walnuts, pinenuts, extra virgin olive oil.
6. Add flavouring in the forms of herbs and spices.
The best way to pack in the flavour without adding on the calories is herbs and spices! Get creative in the kitchen and try out new combinations!