Does healthy eating seem too complicated? Do you get overwhelmed when trying to decide what to make for lunch or dinner? Eating a nutritious diet is a lot easier than you may think. Today we have a simple trick for you to try that will ensure all your meals are well-balanced. Plus, this is an easy way to help you meet your nutrition goals!
What is a balanced meal?
A balanced meal includes a balance of the three macronutrients (carbohydrates, fat and protein). Each of these 3 macronutrients provide us with different vitamins and minerals which all play an essential role in keeping our bodies functioning at their best! Ensuring each of your meals contain the right ratios of carbs, fat and protein will help you to optimise your diet and fuel your body appropriately.
Why is a balanced meal so important?
Making a balanced meal can help to keep you full until your next meal or snack! Plus, it’s a great way to ensure you’re meeting your daily nutrient targets. Additionally, including a variety of different colours on your plate is a great way to increase the variety of plant foods you are eating each week. Head to our blog post if you want to learn more about why we should all be eating 30 plant foods a week!
So, what’s the secret?
Making a balanced meal is as simple as 1, 2, 3!
1. Fill ½ of your plate with low FODMAP veggies such as:
- Carrot
- Cucumber
- Tomato
- Oyster mushrooms
- Zucchini (<65g)
- Capsicum
- Canned beetroot (<1/2 cup)
- Head to our article to learn more about low FODMAP veggies!
2. Fill ¼ of your plate with a protein source such as:
- Chicken breast
- Tuna
- Tofu
- Eggs
- Head to our article to learn more about low FODMAP vegan/vegetarian protein sources!
3. And fill ¼ of your plate with carbohydrates.
- Rice
- Quinoa
- Potato
- Gluten-free bread or wrap (no soy flour)
- Gluten-free pasta
When choosing a carbohydrate source, opt for wholegrains over refined grains to maximise your fibre and nutrient intake. It’s also important to add a healthy source of fat to your meals. This could include extra virgin olive oil, or low FODMAP nuts and seeds.
By Ellie Thompson and Amanda Gaukroger
IG: @thefodmapchallenge
Image sourced from @Pinterest
Start feeling better now! By signing up to The FODMAP Challenge you will receive meal plans, recipe ideas, and regular support with other resources, to make this as easy for you as possible.