It seems as though every few years, a new weight loss plan is taking the world by storm. So you might be wondering about the Plate Diet, and how this strategy can support your overall health and fitness goals. Let’s take a closer look at your plate, and what you can learn from this perspective.

Size matters. The average American dinner plate is about 12 inches across, but that measurement has gradually grown by several inches over the past few decades. Of course, we also know that our average weight has grown, too! To use the Plate Diet successfully, choose dinner plates measuring about 9 or 10 inches in diameter.

Focus on proportions. The idea behind the Plate Diet is that you build each plate of food according to certain proportions. Half of your plate should be covered by non-starchy fruits and veggies. Then, add whole grains or starchy veggies to one quarter of your plate. The final quarter should be filled with lean sources of protein like turkey, chicken breast, fish, tofu, beans, or eggs.

Yes, you can include a little fat. Nuts, seeds, olive oil, or avocado can be sprinkled or drizzled onto your food, but sparingly.

This eating plan can help you manage diabetes. The Plate Diet limits starches and sugars, which can cause blood sugar fluctuations. This is great news for those of you who need to manage symptoms of diabetes or who are at risk of developing the disease.

But… the Plate Diet might not be right for everyone. The benefits of the plate diet include portion control and balanced nutrients. However, many people still need help with learning what to put on their plates. And for some, the protein allowance might not be quite right. So we still recommend that you contact us to schedule an appointment. We can help you analyze your nutritional needs and put together an appropriate weight loss plan. Then you can build healthy, satisfying plates that support your unique goals.