What goes in my 25% part of the plate?
Deprivation and restriction make it challenging for people to change their lifestyle, especially if they want the change to be sustainable. That is why we’re so flexible with the 25% part of the plate.
Remember, our goal is to help you fill 75% of your plate with natural whole-fiber foods – fruits, vegetables, beans, and cooked whole grains. The other 25% is really up to you.
The 25% food items can be whole wheat bread, chips, pasta, an egg, cheese, your favorite drink, grilled chicken, fish, milk, or meat. But it can also be ice cream, cookies, cake, muffins, and tofu. Choose just a single serving. If you want more than one 25% plate food, choose smaller amounts so it can stay in just 25% of your plate.
Of course, you can choose a healthy option for your 25%. You may actually find that over time, you’ll gravitate towards more nutritious options even for this portion of the plate.