Diet for Divided Plates

The diet for divided plates is a simple way to balance your diet for control weight and to promote a healthy mix of vegetables, starches and protein. Many people are easily discouraged by diets that are highly restrictive or require painstaking record keeping. The divided plate diet is more of a rule of thumb, but when practiced consciously, it can greatly improve your eating habits.

The Divided Plate

• The principal behind the divided plate diet is simple. When preparing a meal, whether it is breakfast, lunch or dinner, draw an imaginary line down the center of it. Fill up one side with all vegetables or fruit. Next, divide the remaining portion in half and fill one section with starches or grains or bread and the last portion with a lean meat.

Why It Works

• The key to the divided plate diet is moderation where it matters. Many of us are overweight because we eat too many carbohydrates and fatty meats. By stressing a diet that is composed of 50 percent or more fruits and vegetables, we are introducing less calories, more nutrients and more fiber into our diet. By filling up on healthy food, we eat less unhealthy food. Plus, by limiting our meals to one plate, we eat less. The guidelines are simple and easy to remember, making the diet less of a hassle to adhere to than other plans.

Meal Ideas

• Admittedly, not every meal fits on a dinner plate. Nevertheless, strive to have half of your meal consist of vegetables or fruit, one fourth consist of lean meat and another fourth starch. For example, a sandwich with whole grain bread and some low fat turkey accompanied by a salad or cup of fresh fruit would satisfy the ratios. An omelet with vegetables served with a glass of juice and a piece of whole wheat toast is also an excellent meal. When preparing pasta, use an equal amount of pasta and vegetables, and use meats sparingly.