Healthy Food May 2026

: Pick lean options such as fish, poultry, beans, or nuts. It is best to limit red meat and avoid processed meats like bacon or cold cuts.

To assemble a "proper piece" or portion for a healthy meal, the most widely recommended method is the . This visual guide simplifies nutrition by dividing a standard 9-inch plate into specific sections for different food groups. The Healthy Plate Blueprint

The Harvard Healthy Eating Plate suggests the following proportions for a balanced meal: healthy food

: Aim for a wide variety of colors. Note that potatoes and French fries do not count as vegetables in this section due to their impact on blood sugar.

: 1 cup or one medium fruit is about the size of your fist . Nuts or snacks : 1–2 ounces is roughly one cupped hand . Cheese : 1 ounce is about the size of your thumb . Additional Healthy Eating Tips Food Portions: Choosing Just Enough for You - NIDDK : Pick lean options such as fish, poultry, beans, or nuts

: 3 ounces is roughly the size of your palm .

: Choose intact grains like brown rice, quinoa, whole-wheat pasta, or oats. These have a milder effect on blood sugar compared to refined grains like white bread or white rice. This visual guide simplifies nutrition by dividing a

: Use plant oils like olive or canola oil in moderation. Avoid trans fats and partially hydrogenated oils. Estimating Portions Without a Plate