Five Parts of a Balanced Meal
A balanced meal gives your body everything it needs. Think of your plate divided into five sections:
1. PROTEIN (about 1/4 of your plate): Builds and repairs muscles, skin, and hair. Examples: chicken, fish, beef, tofu, beans, eggs, nuts. Protein keeps you feeling full.
2. GRAINS (about 1/4 of your plate): Gives you energy to run, think, and play. Examples: rice, bread, pasta, oatmeal, tortillas. Whole grains (brown rice, whole wheat bread) are the healthiest.
3. VEGETABLES (about 1/4 of your plate): Packed with vitamins and fiber. Examples: broccoli, carrots, green beans, spinach, peas. Try to eat veggies at every meal!
4. FRUIT (about 1/4 of your plate or a side): Natural vitamins and sweetness. Examples: apples, oranges, berries, bananas, grapes.
5. DAIRY (a side — glass of milk or yogurt): Calcium for strong bones and teeth. Examples: milk, cheese, yogurt.
When you have all five at a meal, your body gets a complete package of nutrients. Think of it like giving your body a full toolkit instead of just one tool!