Health Watch - Eating Habits: A Healthy Plate
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This week on Health Watch, we’re talking about developing better eating habits. One easy way to make sure you’re eating a balanced, nutritious meal is to put together a “healthy plate.”
Dr. Jo Ann Carson, a clinical dietitian at UT Southwestern Medical Center, says half the plate should be low-carbohydrate vegetables like broccoli, green beans or leafy greens. A quarter of the plate should be high-fiber carbohydrates, such as dried beans, whole wheat pasta or fruit. Another quarter of the plate should be lean protein like chicken, fish or lean beef. If you want to lose weight, reduce portion sizes while keeping the same ratio of vegetables, fiber and protein. Don’t skip meals because that will slow your metabolism and make it harder to lose weight. Instead, eat several smaller meals throughout the day so you don’t get hungry.
Visit http://www.utsouthwestern.org/nutrition to learn more about UT Southwestern’s clinical services in nutrition.
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