Attention Lubbock: This is How We Should All Be Eating

How do your meals look? Are they filled with fruits and veggies or do they all look one color and usually come fried?

Well, according to the Texas Nutrition Advisory Committee (TNAC), there are guidelines on how your plates are supposed to look in order to stay vertical longer. Let's go over these guidelines, and you tell me if you follow these or not.

How Lubbockites Can Eat Healthy

Before you sit down at the family cookout to dig in, you should always ask yourself if at least half your plate consists of vegetables and fruit. TNAC says a colorful plate with fruits and veggies is the best way to avoid indigestion and promote better gut health.

Proteins and Healthy Fats

Next is the protein. Unfortunately, fried chicken and bean burritos don't quite meet the expectations. Low-sodium seafood, meats, eggs, and nuts are excellent sources of protein to keep your muscles, brain, and skin healthy.

Oh, and don't forget about your healthy fats. These include nuts, seeds, olive oil, and avocadoes. Fatty fishes like mackerel, salmon, and sardines are also great choices to mix with your meals.

Calcium and Hydration

Healthy bones and teeth should also be at the forefront of Lubbock family meals. Dairy products rich in calcium, Vitamin D, and protein can check this off the list. So, stock up on healthy milk, yogurt, and cheese when you go shopping.

The last item on the list is often the hardest to stick to. This is removing sugary drinks or alcohol from your diet. When you're thirsty, water is always your best bet for hydration. Skipping the sweeteners and artificial creamers in your coffee or tea is also a great choice.

You can check out the full TNAC report here, but what do you think of these guidelines?

As much as I would love to stick to diets containing all of the above, I don't know about you, but groceries are expensive! Especially when you stick to the healthy aisles.

I think I'll find the middle ground in order to protect my wallet a little bit. Perhaps with every meal I'll throw in a couple of things in this list. If it's pizza night, maybe I'll add some fruit, nuts, or dairy to the equation to try and balance things out a little.

Or maybe I want to gamble and try fish on my pizza... yum.