Health

Hello Balanced Meals!

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We all know that proper meals and satisfying snacks are essential to a healthy, balanced lifestyle. But what exactly is the definition of a “balanced” meal? Is it a specific number of calories, certain ingredients, a particular quantity of items, or a blend of various food groups? We all have different approaches to healthy eating and ‘balance’ can be a very subjective term. But I believe that there is an element of balance that transcends whatever your eating preference may be. So, whether you’re Paleo, Vegan, Vegetarian, label-free, or gluten/dairy/soy free (like me!) here it is: 

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My Simple Formula for Balanced Meals:

Carbohydrates + Protein + Fat + fresh fruits/ veggies = Balance. 

I’m a firm believer in the idea that good nutrition is more of an ‘art’ than a ‘science’ but if you skip out on any of these macronutrients, your meal is incomplete. Some people think that a salad with grilled chicken is a completely healthy balanced lunch. But where are the carbs?? Is that enough protein??

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Why not try a mixed green salad with grilled chicken, avocado (mashed up as a dressing), and a sweet potato on the side! See how much more satisfying that is? And if your body needs a little ‘something extra’, try adding some almond butter to your sweet tator (for extra satisfying fats). And don’t forget some sweet and satisfying fresh fruit for dessert!

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If you eat vegan, simply swap out the chicken for some tofu (if you can tolerate soy), lentils, or beans. Of course, every meal doesn’t have to be perfectly balanced. And there’s no reason to pressure yourself or feel guilty when you enjoy a ‘less than perfectly balanced’ breakfast, lunch or dinner. Just challenge yourself to get creative and invest the time and effort into the ‘beautifully balanced banquet’ that you deserve. 

How about you? What’s your favorite balanced meal?

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14 Comments

  • Reply Heather McClees

    I love all the potatoes! 🙂 Potatoes are such as simple food that never gets old, and I can never make a meal without something green or fruity, it seems. I love healthy food! 🙂 Balance is always a good goal, and I always say your intuition is your best guide, and even if it steers you wrong sometimes, you’ll end up right where you should be in the end. Live and learn! 🙂

    August 6, 2016 at 6:58 am
    • Reply Cailee

      You’re so right Heather! I’m very big into intuitive eating! And aren’t potatoes amazing!! Such a classic staple! SO delicious and satisfying!
      xoxo Cailee!

      August 12, 2016 at 3:04 pm
  • Reply Kristy from Southern In Law

    So much colour! All of your meals look incredible and definitely like something I’d eat! Can we be neighbours and have lunches together every day?!??!!? 😉

    August 7, 2016 at 3:51 am
    • Reply Cailee

      I’d love that!!! We can cook together and enjoy lovely lunches!! So fun! Thanks girl! Hope that you have a great weekend!
      xoxo Cailee!

      August 12, 2016 at 3:03 pm
  • Reply Kat

    I love your meals. You always have such fantastic meals and they are always so balanced. I tend to lean heavily on fruits – but you are always pushing me to include more veggies!! You want to make me lunches and I’ll make you desserts? 😉

    August 8, 2016 at 2:21 pm
    • Reply Cailee

      YES PLEASE! I’ll make the lunch, you make the dessert! Sounds perfect Kat! And I love fresh fruit too! So good! Happy weekend babe! <3
      xoxo Cailee!

      August 12, 2016 at 3:02 pm
  • Reply Claire at My Pink & Green Life

    Oh yes! The only way I can eat a salad for a meal if it’s got plenty of fats and carbs to go along with it. And yes, the carb part can be a dessert… 😛

    August 8, 2016 at 4:09 pm
    • Reply Cailee

      YES! I love the way you think Claire! And yes to dessert… a nightly essential in my book!
      xoxo Cailee!

      August 12, 2016 at 3:01 pm
  • Reply Emily

    I love this so much, because you have a really balanced and not extreme view of nutrition at all. It makes it really matter of fact and easy to put together any meal. Fresh fruits and veggies always add an extra element of deliciousness to any meal.

    August 8, 2016 at 7:55 pm
    • Reply Cailee

      Thanks Emily! And I couldn’t agree more! Extremes are not sustainable (or enjoyable)! And yes to fresh fruits and veggies! So good!
      xoxo Cailee!

      August 12, 2016 at 3:00 pm
  • Reply Nicole @ Foodie Loves Fitness

    I’m with you! I always make sure to balance out my macros – especially my proteins. Otherwise I sometimes won’t get enough of it!

    August 10, 2016 at 1:17 am
    • Reply Cailee

      Yes! It’s so important to make sure you’re getting enough, especially since you eat plants based- it’s great to be conscious!
      xoxo Cailee!

      August 12, 2016 at 2:59 pm
  • Reply Rach @ This Italian Family

    I like your balanced meals! We have a hard time coming up with meals that are really well balanced for both Christopher and I (because I have to watch my carbs and he has to watch his cholesterol). So most meals are more on my side or his and we just swap off. 🙂

    August 11, 2016 at 5:39 pm
    • Reply Cailee

      Sounds like you’ve found a system that works for you guys!! Looks like you’ve found your balance this way!! Hope you have a great Friday love!
      xoxo Cailee!

      August 12, 2016 at 2:58 pm

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