Combining Food Groups for Balanced Meals
Combining Food Groups for Balanced Meals
This is part nine (and the final post) of a series on the various food groups and balanced nutrition. People often talk about eliminating entire food groups when they all have unique benefits.
Creating balanced meals involves combining foods from different groups to ensure you get various nutrients. In this final post, get practical tips and examples for building balanced meals that are nutritious and delicious.
Why Balanced Meals Are Important
Balanced meals provide a range of nutrients that support overall health, including vitamins, minerals, protein, healthy fats, and fiber.
They help maintain energy levels, support bodily functions, and promote satiety.
Tips for Building Balanced Meals
Getting balanced meals isn’t hard, but it takes some planning. Here is a suggestion for getting those nutrients in your meals:
Include a Protein Source: Choose lean meats, fish, beans, lentils, tofu, or dairy.
Add Vegetables: Aim for various colors and types to get different nutrients.
Incorporate Whole Grains: Use brown rice, quinoa, whole wheat pasta, or whole grain bread.
Don’t Forget Healthy Fats: Include sources like avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil.
Fruit as a Natural Sweetener: Add fruit for vitamins and natural sweetness to your meals.
Examples of Balanced Meals
Breakfast: Greek yogurt with fresh berries, a sprinkle of granola, and a handful of nuts.
Lunch: A salad with mixed greens, grilled chicken, quinoa, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a dressing made with olive oil and lemon juice.
Dinner: Baked salmon with roasted sweet potatoes, steamed broccoli, and a slice of whole grain bread.
Snack: An apple with a tablespoon of almond butter.
Building balanced meals involves combining foods from different groups to ensure you get various nutrients. You can create nutritious and enjoyable meals by following these tips and examples. This concludes our series on food groups and balanced nutrition. Remember, a varied diet is key to maintaining good health and well-being.
