How To Prepare a Balanced Meal

Preparing balanced meals is the key to staying satiated throughout the day. But what does balanced mean exactly? There are 3 essential macronutrients your body needs: protein, carbs, and fat. Some might find it controversial to label carbohydrates (carbs) as essential nutrients. You might have heard of the “KETO” diet that doesn’t promote the consumption of carbs. The truth is every single cell in our body runs off glucose, which is a form of sugar found in carbohydrates. Carbs give us energy and allow the brain to function properly. Please don’t completely cut out carbs. If you are interested in experimenting, a low-carb diet is recommended over a no-carb diet. Hope this helps!

So how do you put together a meal that contains protein, carbs, and fats? First, pick your choice of protein. If you’re plant-based, good sources of protein include: tofu, tempeh, quinoa, lentils, beans, or mock-meats (usually made out of soy products). If you’re not plant-based, any meat, poultry, or fish can be a source of protein. Next, pick out a source of carb. This could mean brown rice, sprouted toast, whole wheat pasta etc. Finally, a source of healthy fat. Some of my favorites are avocados, nuts and seeds, and of course olive oil (I’m Middle Eastern). There is so much room to get creative in preparing a balanced meal. All spices and flavors are welcomed!