What's on Your Plate?

Let’s be honest with one another for a moment. When we think of portion sizes and controlling how much food we should intake, most of us don’t receive these ‘happy suggestions’ with glee. I like food. As a matter of fact, I love food! I don’t eat food simply to sustain life, but because I love to eat food. But who says the two can’t go hand in hand – eating foods you love, while controlling the portion sizes of that food?

While many are chasing the latest diet fads and magical weight loss pills to help get their bodies in the shape & size of their desire, they don’t truly understand that if they simply eat the recommended number of servings each day from the basic food groups, and adjust the portion sizes of the other foods they love to consume, they can still consume them! And still get in shape!

With all things we love to eat, there are two basic principles that should be followed to be successful;

1. Follow the daily recommendations for fruit, vegetable, protein, grain & dairy intake
2. For all foods that don’t fall into the specific groups mentioned above (yes, the yummy ones that you really love), consume in moderation

Yes, that is basically it! Of course there are tricky little specifics that you will need to be mindful of (sugar intake, carbs, etc.), and over time you will learn how to manage those things. But getting in shape and eating healthier is a process, one that starts at the bottom with the basics!

Study this Healthy Eating Plate Diagram, and reference it daily. Eat your daily recommended servings of healthy things that your body needs to be great. This will become the best habit you could pick up!

Enjoy!