Health Watch - Eating Habits: A Healthy Plate Health Watch is a
Public Service of the Office of News and Publications and is
intended to provide general information only and should not
replace the advice of a medical professional. You should contact
your physician if you have questions about any of these topics.
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 yo