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MartDouHou’s Guide to A Well-Balanced Meal

Staying healthy often means having a balanced diet with all the essential nutrients. That’s why we like to follow HealthHub’s “My Healthy Plate” with easy to follow guidelines for a well-rounded meal!

Sticking to this plan is easier than we first thought. By focusing on buying good sources of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats — things like whole grains, lean meats, and healthy oils — we’re able to get all the important vitamins and minerals we need to function well and stay healthy.

Choose healthier carbohydrates like whole grains or low-GI foods

Growing up in Singapore, our parents always fed us carbohydrates like rice, noodles, and bread. It wasn’t till later that we realised that these aren’t the best options we have. Nowadays, what we prefer to eat is brown rice and whole grain options!

But why are they better?

They’re actually more nutritious as they retain most of the nutrients unlike refined and processed carbs! Plus, whole grains often have larger amounts of fibre and important vitamins and minerals such as vitamins B and E, in addition to iron, zinc, and magnesium. These help us feel fuller for longer while also helping to lower risk of diseases like heart disease and diabetes.

Lean proteins and healthy fats are the better choice

Our parents also always used to encourage us to eat properly so we can grow up healthy and strong, and this means getting enough proteins and fats in our diet. For example, protein helps to build and maintain muscle, as well as provide support for the immune system.

And did you know that fats are actually good for you? No, we’re not kidding!

Fats like unsaturated plant oils are also great for a balanced diet as they help the body absorb vitamins, and help improve skin and heart health.

Whenever we eat these healthy sources of protein and fat, we’ll be getting lots of important vitamins and minerals like vitamin B, iron, zinc, and also omega-3 fatty acids!

Some great sources of protein and fat you can consider adding to your diet include poultry, fish and seafood, tofu and beancurd, and eggs.

Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables

Fruits and vegetables were frequently served after a meal in our household for a good reason! These food groups provide highly beneficial nutrients and vitamins which help the body function well and keep us feeling full so we don’t overeat.

Plus, eating enough fruits and vegetables can lower the risk of many diseases like stroke and heart disease. They also provide important fibre, fluids, and other nutrients to keep us fit as a fiddle!

Make sure you include as many varieties of fruits and vegetables as you can — you can’t go wrong with vegetable choices like spinach, chye sim, broccoli, tomatoes, and various fruits like bananas, oranges, and watermelon.

Shopping for healthy foods and ingredients is easier than you think! Get all your healthy foods for balanced meals at Mart Dou Hou today. A wide range of fresh and frozen produce and free delivery straight to your doorstep means you’ll get convenience like never before. Shop at Mart Dou Hou now for all your grocery needs!