Creating A Balanced Meal

Balanced meals are essential to your health. Busy lifestyles often take attention away from the need o eat right. To begin with, let’s define what a balanced meal is.

There are five food groups. De pendant upon your age, the amount you eat will vary, but all five food groups need to be incorporated into your diet daily. The food groups are fruits and vegetables, grain, dairy and meat. For the average adult, the main part of your meals should be fruits (3 servings) and vegetables (4 servings), whole grains (8 servings), fat free or low fat milk (2 to 3 servings) as well as protein (2 to 3 servings) which includes meat, beans, nuts and eggs. When choosing fats (use sparingly), look for those that are low in saturated, trans-fats and cholesterol.

That sounds like a lot of food right? It can also sound complicated at first glance. Making a list of the food groups with the number beside it will help you focus on getting what your body needs for the day. Carry your list with you and check off servings as you go.

Snacking will afford you the opportunity to get all the food groups in while stabilizing your blood sugar. Your body also metabolizes food better when spread out into six small meals rather than three large meals. Pack your lunch and snacks together with fruit and fresh veggies cut up and placed in baggies.

Eating balanced meals does not need to be complicated. Use your checklist and pack your baggies to meet your daily requirements. You’ll soon discover how eating balanced meals will enhance your energy and your health.