What can you make your family for dinner that's healthy and tastes good? You can follow the plate method!
This healthy eating plan works for everybody, including people with diabetes. Indeed, making nutritious healthy meals will be a snap.
What's a healthy plate?
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| Photo by Christopher Jolly on Unsplash |
It's a way to control your serving sizes and you don't have to count. Simply use a 7-inch plate for children and a 9-inch plate for adults. First, divide the plate in half and fill one of them with vegetables. There are two types of vegetables, starchy like potatoes, corn, pea,s or plantains, and non-starchy like zucchini, jicama, cucumbers, carrots, or salad. If you have diabetes, fill half your plate with non-starchy vegetables, then fill 1/4 with whole grains or starches like brown rice, corn, beans, or whole wheat pasta. In the other quarter add some lean protein like tofu, grilled fish, or chicken.
What about adding a side of tortilla or bread?
It's hard to resist, I know! The trick is, to serve yourself a smaller portion of the other starches on your plate instead. To complete your meal, add a drink like unsweetened coffee, tea, or a glass of milk, but remember that drinking 8 ounces of milk affects your blood sugar just as it would if you ate another tortilla or a slice of bread. Or, you can also choose water with a squeeze of lemon or lime.
How you create your plate is up to you, you have many options, as long as you remember to follow these healthy guidelines, and you're all set!
You might be thinking how can you use the plate method to make vegetable beef soup or other meals? Simply follow the same idea. Fill your pot with low-sodium broth and lots of healthy vegetables like corn, cabbage, zucchini, carrots, and onions, and some lean beef, but not too much. Just like you'd put on a quarter of your plate for each person you're serving. If you want, add your favorite type of bread on the side, and you've got the right amount for a healthy meal. Mm-hmm, enjoy!
The information I provided in this blog is for educational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. You should never use content in my writing as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or another qualified clinician. Please consult a medical professional or healthcare provider if indicated for medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment. I am not liable for risks or issues associated with using or acting upon the information in this blog. Thank you.