We have been reading up on macronutrient balanced meals lately and we are hooked ensuring even our own meals are nutritionally balanced!
There are 3 groups of macronutrients: protein, complex carbohydrates and fats.
Your diet should contain equal amounts of macronutrients in every meal to ensure you are getting the necessary nutrients needed for your body to perform optimally, to make you feel full, provide energy, reduce fatigue and stabilise blood sugar.
What is considered good quality protein?
Good quality protein includes: grass fed organic beef, chicken, lamb, fish, dairy products (if can consume), eggs, tempeh, tofu, miso, quinoa, lentils/pulses and nuts and seeds.
What is considered to be a complex carbohydrate?
Complex carbohydrates provide fuel to your cells and brain but without creating sudden spikes in blood sugar. Food examples include: sweet potato, corn, pumpkin, beans, lentils, peas, green vegetables, brown rice and oats.
What is considered to be a a good fat source?
Polyunsaturated fats such as oily fish such as salmon, sardines, flaxseeds, chia seeds, walnuts, tofu, avocado, nuts, seeds and coconut oil.
So how do I balance my plate?
A palm size amount of protein, 1/2 a cup of complex of carbohydrate and a small serve of polyunsaturated fats. After ensuring the macronutrients are balanced the rest of your plate is to be filled with a range of different vegetables.
If this all seems a little overwhelming, we have popped some examples below for your reference:
Protein powder, almond milk, chia seeds and banana smoothie
Sweet potato with steak or tofu and mixed veggies sautéed in coconut oil
Salmon, brown rice with green veggies
Quinoa salad with roasted pumpkin, veggies and nuts and seeds with a dressing of tahini, olive oil and lemon juice