The Healthy Plate Model: A Portion Size Guide

The healthy plate model serves as a guide for how much of each food group should be consumed.

The healthy plate model serves as a guide on portion sizes of different types of food. It is recommended that one half of your plate should be filled with non- starchy vegetables. Non- starchy vegetables are all vegetables, excluding: potatoes, corn, pumpkin and butternut. One quarter of your plate should be lean protein such as: fish, chicken, meat with fat removed, beans, tofu and meat alternatives. The last quarter of your plate should be your starches. These include: potatoes, corn, pumpkin, rice, pasta and bread.

Fats such as oil, nuts and avocado should be used sparingly. Often fats are included in the cooking process for example, in frying meat. Low fat dairy products should also be included, either in the cooking process or as a snack between meals. This can include: low fat milk, plain low fat yoghurt, cheeses such as cottage cheese or mozzarella.

For a more generalized detailed portion size guide of each food group, purchase the simple eating guide on our website!

For a personalized meal plan/ advice for your toddler, please make an appointment with a Dietitian