75% Green

Balance Your Choices, Start With Your Plate

I love the saying, “the more you silence your cravings, the bigger they become.” This statement is so true when it comes to food, alcoholic beverages, you name it! Balance is the key to everything.  You don’t have to completely cut out the foods you love to look and feel good. You can start a more balanced lifestyle by just balancing what you put on your plate. Try and incorporate these food groups when you plan your next meal:

>NON –STARCHY VEGETABLES: (make this ½ your plate)

These are your veggies high in fiber, and nutrients, lower in carbs than starchy veggies. Good examples of these include broccoli, onions, green peppers, asparagus, cauliflower, and green beans.

>PROTEIN: (make this a ¼ of your plate)

Healthy proteins are lean meats like chicken, turkey,  fish, Tofu, nuts, and beans.  Stick to grilling or baking these proteins, and remember sauces like Teriyaki, barbecue, or other glazes are very delicious but contain a high amount of sugar.

>STARCHES AND GRAINS:  (make this a ¼ your plate). Many people starting crash diets cut this group out, but if you are doing a lot of exercising, certain carbs are used for fuel and energy.  When you add a starch to your balanced plate, think whole-grain, and natural versus Processed. These foods include bread, rice, pasta, oatmeal, potatoes,  and corn.

Now, you are probably saying where is the dessert? If it’s cake, ice cream, a chocolate bar, that’s ok! Pick a day, and have that weekly splurge. Try and indulge just once a week, and it’ll keep you honest, and make that treat seem that much more special.

–Craig Hunt

The most disciplined eater you have ever met.

Diabetes Sales Specialist and Mother of 2, wife of 1, and four animals. 🙂