To be on track in a diet means to consistently stick to a healthy eating plan, set goals, and make choices that are in line with the plan. This includes watching portion sizes, limiting processed or sugary foods, and making sure to get enough of the right types of nutrients such as protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Creating a new nutrition and diet plan can be overwhelming at first, however, there are a few tips to help you stay on track.
1. Make a meal plan and stick to it.
2. Keep healthy snacks on hand to satisfy cravings.
3. Eat a variety of nutrient-dense foods from all the food groups.
4. Cook meals at home instead of eating out.
5. Read nutrition labels when shopping for food.
6. Avoid processed, sugary, and fatty foods.
7. Drink plenty of water.
8. Avoid skipping meals and don’t go more than 4 hours without eating.
9. Exercise regularly and get plenty of sleep.
10. Get professional help from a nutritionist or dietitian if needed.
However, meal planning for the week ahead and prepping meals in advance can be a great way to make sure your nutrition and diet stays balanced. Additionally, focus on the foods that you should be eating throughout the day, rather than the foods you should be avoiding. This will help you create positive associations with healthier foods and create good eating habits.
Below is a sample of a balanced diet table
For Locals
Breakfast: Porridge with Plantain, Boiled Egg
Snack: Almonds, Fruit juice
Lunch: Jollof Rice, Chicken/Fish, Green Salad
Snack: Fresh Fruit, Toast
Dinner: Boiled Yam and Egusi Soup
Tuesday
Breakfast: Oat meal with Honey and Nuts
Snack: Boiled Egg, Fruit Juice
Lunch: Fried Rice and Grilled Fish
Snack: Nuts and Protein Shake
Dinner: Vegetable Soup and Eba
Wednesday
Breakfast: Pancake and Fruits
Snack: Boiled Groundnuts, Fruit Juice
Lunch: Beans Pottage, Fried Plantain, Vegetable Salad
Snack: Protein Bar and Juice
Dinner: Amala and Obe Ata (tomato stew)
Thursday
Breakfast: Wheat Cereal with Milk
Snack: Roasted Plantain and smoothie
Lunch: Pounded Yam and Vegetable Soup
Snack: Yoghurt with Honey
Dinner: White Rice and Beef Stew
Friday
Breakfast: Porridge with Banana
Snack: Nuts, Yoghurt
Lunch: White Rice, Plantain and Fish Stew
Snack: Boiled Groundnuts, Bread
Dinner: Coconut Rice and Chicken
Saturday
Breakfast: Omelette and Bread
Snack: Smoothie and Coconut
Lunch: Pounded Yam, Egusi Soup, Roasted Fish
Snack: Fresh Fruit and Boiled Egg
Dinner: Fried Rice, Salad and Fried Plantain
Sunday
Breakfast: Millet Fufu with Vegetable Sauce
Snack: Boiled Egg, Nuts
Lunch: Rice and Beans, Vegetable Salad
Snack: Protein Shake and Toast
Dinner: Jollof Rice and Fried Plantain