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Diet Challenge Tip 9: Make Half Your Plate Veggies

By Kerri-Ann Jennings, January 6, 2012 - 3:26pm

Tip 9: Make half your plate veggies

Make your plate look like this.
1) Fill half your plate with fruits and vegetables
2) Reserve a little over a quarter of your plate for grains and make them whole at least half the time
3) Give protein a bit less than a quarter of your plate

Making your plate veggie-focused will also make it lighter, since nonstarchy vegetables tend to fill you up on fewer calories. By the way, this basic formula—mostly veggies, smaller amount of whole grains and meat—can be used in combo dishes as well. Try these produce-packed dinners to get started.

For more diet challenge tips, meal plans and get-started guide, visit the Diet Challenge landing page.

TAGS: Kerri-Ann Jennings, Diet Blog, Diet, Weight loss, Diet Challenge

Kerri-Ann Jennings is a registered dietitian with a master's degree in nutrition from Columbia University. She is the former associate nutrition editor for EatingWell Magazine.