Simple Ways to Balance Your Plate

I am a member of the Balance Your Plate team and helping spread the word about CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN® oven-ready pizzas. As a team member, I receive product and incentives in exchange for participating in brand-related activities.

Did you know? Most Americans only meet the U.S. Dietary Guidelines for proper nutrition roughly 7 days out of the year. Yes, only 7 days out of 365! How is that possible? Top reasons for slacking on healthy meals include expenses, time-consuming, and just plain complicated.

California Pizza Kitchen is part of an initiative to make a difference. They want to help families eat better by uncomplicating things. Read on to see how they’re helping you Balance Your Plate.

I know what you’re thinking. Pizza Jen, really? Yes, sort of. Pizza that is made with high quality ingredients like CPK’s can be part of a balanced meal. CPK uses premium ingredients like vine-ripened tomatoes, Fontina cheese, and extra-virgin olive oil. Other factors for balancing your plate include portion size and combining your main dish with a half plate of fruits and veggies.

Their website offers tons of resources for families. I highly recommend checking it out! In the meantime, I’m going to share some of my favorites.

First, let’s discuss what’s a daily suggested diet?

• 2 1/2 cups of vegetables
• 2 cups of fruit
• 6 oz of grains
• 3 cups of dairy
• 5 1/2 oz of protein

Portion Pointers: 

1/2 cup of fruit or veggies = the size of a tennis ball

3 oz of meat = the size of a deck of cards

1 cup of pasta = the size of a baseball

A tsp of margarine/butter = the size of 1 dice

Simple Ways to Balance Your Plate

• Pair your entree with at least half a plate of fruits and veggies.
• Clean and prep your fruit/veggies ahead of time, or buy them prepared that way.
• Use a convenient, frozen entree as the base of your balanced meal. Make sure it’s made with high quality ingredients.
• Add whole grains/low-fat dairy products to round out the meal.
• Choose sides like steamed veggies or a freshly prepared salad.
• Lastly, eating at home means you control the nutritional quality, versus eating out.

Freshly Made. Simply Frozen.

Freezing is nature’s “pause” button. I really love that statement. Frozen isn’t bad, it’s just paused. Products, like CPK pizzas, made with quality ingredients use products at the peak of freshness. Many frozen options are lower in sodium, saturated fat, and calories than quick-service meals and restaurants.

Budget Tips:

Plan ahead and write it down. Stick to your list when shopping. Reuse ingredients throughout the week to eliminate waste. Balance your plate with produce in season, and stock up on frozen produce as well.

Balanced Plate Meal Suggestion (for a 2,000 calorie diet):

Breakfast:

• 1/2 cup eggs, 1 slice of toast, 1 tbsp of peanut butter, 1 medium banana, 1 cup milk

Lunch:

• 1 slice pizza, 2 cups of salad, 1 tbsp of dressing, 1 medium orange, water

Dinner:

• 1 1/2 cups stir-fry veggies, 1 cup of rice, 1/2 cup of pineapple, water

Snack:

• 1 cup of yogurt, 1/2 oz almonds

I think creating a balanced meal just takes a bit of organization and forethought. It’s completely possible once you get into a routine. Hopefully today’s post inspired you and your family to balance your plate!