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
Monday
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
Sample for the Nationals
Monday
Breakfast: Eggs on toast with spinach, avocado, and black beans
Lunch: Turkey and Vegetable Stir-Fry
Dinner: Whole Grain Pasta with Roasted Cauliflower and Goat Cheese
Tuesday
Breakfast: Yogurt, Granola and Fresh Fruit
Lunch: Spinach Salad With Grilled Chicken
Dinner: Baked Salmon With a Roasted Tomato and Corn Relish
Wednesday
Breakfast: Avocado Toast With Egg and Tomatoes
Lunch: Chickpea, Avocado and Feta Sandwich
Dinner: Mexican Rice Bowl with Avocado and Cilantro
Thursday
Breakfast: Oatmeal With Berries and Nut Butter
Lunch: Kale and Quinoa Salad With Roasted Chickpeas
Dinner: Baked Sweet Potato With Broccoli, Feta and Almonds
Friday
Breakfast: Apple and Peanut Butter Toast
Lunch: Grilled Chicken Caesar Wraps
Dinner: Roasted Vegetable and Quinoa Burrito Bowls
Saturday
Breakfast: Whole Grain Pancakes with Berries
Lunch: Grilled Veggie and Hummus Wraps
Dinner: Baked Vegetable Fajitas
Sunday
Breakfast: Green Smoothie Bowl
Lunch: Chicken and Quinoa Soup
Dinner: Grilled Fish Tacos With Guacamole
CONCLUSION
Making sure you’re getting the most out of your nutrition and diet is important for leading a healthy lifestyle. Adding more nutritious foods to your diet can help boost your energy levels and significantly lower your risk for developing chronic illnesses. Also, meal planning and avoiding highly processed foods can help you on your path to a healthier you.