A hot drink of Luo Han Guo.

Nutrition and Health Simplified: My Healthy Plate

3 Minutes Read

What is My Healthy Plate?

In order to have a balanced diet that meets the daily nutritional needs, it is important to consume a wide variety of foods in the right amounts. Eating healthy and balanced meals can be a simple process.

My Healthy Plate is a user-friendly visual guide developed by the Health Promotion Board (HPB), and it helps you adopt healthier eating habits, which in turn can aid in weight management and preventing chronic diseases.

Quarter, Quarter, Half is an easy way to remember the appropriate proportions of each food group in a well-balanced meal. To illustrate:

1. Fill Quarter (¼) plate with wholegrains
2. Fill Quarter (¼) plate with good protein sources
3. Fill Half plate (½) with fruit and vegetables

Visual guide for My Healthy Plate.

Image: HealthHub

If you are unable to fit a meal into the Quarter, Quarter, Half proportions, you can compensate by including those missing food groups in your next meal.

Who is My Healthy Plate for?

My Healthy Plate guide is easy to follow and can be used by everyone. Simply adhere to the Quarter, Quarter, Half guide for a nutritious and well-balanced meal that includes all the necessary food groups with the appropriate proportions. It is a convenient way to ensure your meals include all the nutrients you need, regardless of the meal type, cuisine or occasion.

My Healthy Plate can also be used by these groups with some adjustments:

5 Simple Tips to Maximize My Healthy Plate

1. Avoid the skin and fats when eating meat 2. Select wholegrains such as brown rice, whole grain cereals, wholemeal breads and oats
3. Use healthier oil options such as olive, canola, sunflower, peanut and soya bean oil 4. Pick fresh fruits over fruit juice
5. Choose water over other beverages with sugar

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I don’t follow the recommended proportions for my meal?

My Healthy Plate – Quarter, Quarter, Half is a guide to assist you to meet your dietary recommendations more easily. While it is ideal to adhere to the aforementioned principles with each meal, if that is not possible to follow, plan your meals carefully to ensure you consume food from all 3 food groups throughout the day.

Can I still have snacks in between meals?

You can opt for healthier snack options such as wholegrains, fruits and vegetables, dairy products, or foods high in calcium to compensate for any food groups that may have been missed in previous meals. Examples of such snacks include:

Wholegrains: Wholemeal bread, Whole wheat crackers/biscuits, wholegrain corn tortilla chips
Meat and others: Cheese, chicken, egg, low-fat milk/yogurt, unsalted peanuts, cashews, almonds
Fruits and vegetables: Apple, pear, baby carrots, celery sticks

Why are there different serving sizes?

Needs vary from individual to individual. If you have a less active lifestyle, it is recommended to stick at the lower end of the range. You may require more servings if you are very active.

References

1. Nutritious Foods For A Healthy Diet, HealthHub
https://www.healthhub.sg/programmes/191/nutrition-hub/eat-more

Full Body Check Up at ATA Medical

Our one-stop health screening centre has a Chest X-Ray, Ultrasound, and Computed Tomography (CT) scans. We also provide a variety of comprehensive health screening packages for different needs and age groups.

Our clinics are located conveniently in Central Singapore at these 2 locations:

Patient having a health screening review with Dr Jana Lim of ATA Medical.
Post-screening consult of health screening results with our doctor.
Female patient undergoing ultrasound scan procedure at ATA Medical Clinic.
Mammograms & Ultrasound Scans with Female Staff
Female patient getting ready to undergo X-Ray procedure with a male staff assisting with the preparations.
One-Stop Clinic with X-Ray Facilities
Dr Leonard Leng of ATA Medical having a consultation session with a male patient.
Consultation About Men or Female Health With a Doctor of Your Choice
The information provided through this website is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. You agree that healthscreening.sg makes no representation and assumes no responsibility for the use of this information. Please consult a doctor if you have a medical concern.