Throughout September, dietitians and health enthusiasts recognized “Fruits and Veggies More Matters Month.” What exactly does that mean? It’s simple – fill half your plate with fruits and vegetables, and you will see health benefits in no time. Fill half of your plate with fruits and vegetables at each meal or eating occasion. This can help eliminate the confusion of what a serving of broccoli looks like, or how many carrots are in a cup. Instead of memorizing serving sizes, just remember to fill up half your plate.
The MyPlate image helps reinforce the recommendation to fill half your plate with fruits and vegetables. The plate also designates less than a quarter to grains and proteins. Whole grains consist of brown rise, oatmeal, quinoa or whole wheat bread. Proteins include eggs, lean beef, chicken, salmon or nuts.
Overall, a healthy eating plan doesn’t have to be complicated. Instead, try focusing on a few key guidelines:
- Fill half your plate with fruits and vegetables
- Enjoy your food, but less of it
- Drink water instead of sugary drinks
- Make at least half your grains whole grains
- Avoid oversized portions
- Compare sodium in foods
- Switch to fat free or low fat (1%) milk
To learn more about foods that fall in each one of these categories, visit Choosemyplate.gov.
References: Choosemyplate.gov; Fruitsandveggiesmoremattersmonth.org