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.
Dairy Products
You may be thinking that you have to avoid dairy foods when eating healthy. The truth is that even if you are trying to lose weight, you can still include dairy products in your diet. However, you should opt for healthy dairy products and pay attention to portion control. You may want to have 3 cups of dairy products a day to stay healthy. A cup of milk can provide you with healthy fats and much-needed calcium and other nutrients.
In addition, you should ensure that you are drinking plenty of water every day to keep you well-hydrated. Limit your intake of caffeinated beverage when following a healthy meal plan. A diet plan that contains all these elements is sure to help you achieve your fitness goals in a safe and effective manner. So, plan carefully and know exactly what to eat to live a healthy life!
