What is a healthy balanced meal?

Creating a healthy balanced meal is simple once you know the 3 core elements- vegetables, starchy carbohydrate and protein!

 

It all starts with protein

To create a balanced meal, we need to add at least one good source of protein. We all need to make sure we eat enough good quality protein to stay healthy, as protein is required for the growth, maintenance and repair of our bodies.

Our Birds Eye provides a range of great quality protein choices, from our omega 3 fish fingers and battered cod fillets, to our chicken inspirations. We also sell a delicious and nutritious range of pulses and beans.

Did you know, our peas are also a great protein source? They can be added into all kinds of meals, providing a portion of vegetables and a protein boost!

See the full fish collection here.

Remember the carbohydrates!

A balanced meal should also contain a good portion of starchy carbohydrates. Starchy carbohydrates include potatoes, pasta, rice, bread and other grains such as cous cous, and, where possible, it’s best to eat wholegrain versions. Swapping your white rice for brown or wild rice will not only boost your fibre intakes, but will also add a delicious nutty flavour to your dish!

It’s important to eat these starchy carbohydrates in the diet, as they are a great source of energy and provide range of other nutrients.

Try our delicious potato waffles in a meal this week!

Pack your plate with vegetables

Because they’re so healthy, we should aim to eat 5 portions a day of fruits and vegetables, hence our meals should contain lots of vegetables to make sure we eat enough. Aim to fill the remaining half of your plate with a variety of vegetables. This way, you’ll eat a variety of different vitamins and minerals, as different vegetables contain different types and amounts of these nutrients.

Vegetables can also add colour to a meal, making it more appetising, and is a great way to add extra flavour. Birds Eye is here to help, by providing tasty and convenient vegetable products that can easily be added into your meals.

Why not try our peasfield fresh and steamfresh vegetables? Remember, frozen vegetables are just as good nutritionally as fresh!

See our full vegetable section here  .

Adding the extra goodies

With this simple 3-part formula for a balanced meal, you can’t go wrong. But remember, you can easily and healthily enhance you meal with toppings and additions such as:

  • Dairy or non-dairy alternatives, like a tasty half fat crème fraiche sauce or a light sprinkling of cheese
  • A small handful of nuts and seeds, providing crunch, flavour and nutrients
  • Herbs and spices, which not only provide flavour, but also help you to reduce the amount of salt you need to season with
Enjoy creating!

For meal inspiration, visit our recipe section.