What is the plate method?

The plate method is a simple way to help you limit your carbohydrates per meal by using your plate to measure portions. In this method, you would use your dinner plate, traditionally between 9 and 11 inches in diameter, to help you measure out your portions of certain foods.

· Half of your plate would be filled with non-starchy vegetables like broccoli, green beans, spinach, cauliflower, zucchini, or salad greens.

· One-fourth of your plate would be filled with protein such as beef, chicken, seafood, eggs, or plant-based proteins like tofu, nuts, seeds, beans, or tempeh.

· The last one-fourth of your plate would be filled with a starchy vegetable like corn, beans, peas, or potatoes, or with a starch such as a dinner roll, rice, or pasta.

· Pair your plate with a low-calorie, unsweetened beverage, and perhaps a serving of fruit or a bit of healthy fats like a drizzle of olive oil on your vegetables or some slivered almonds on your salad greens.

This method is not exact, but it can train you to start focusing your meal on those fiber-rich, nutrient-dense, and low-calorie non-starchy vegetables, while limiting your intake of starchy foods.

Are you thinking of trying out the plate method? Wellnite can help you. Talk to our certified nutritionists for tips. Visit us at www.wellnite.com