Food Pairing

Food pairing is an important aspect of any healthy diet. Combining the right proteins and carbohydrates can help maximize nutrition, minimize calories, balance blood sugar, and make meals more enjoyable. Here are some strategies to keep in mind when selecting the perfect food pairings:

Protein Pairing Strategies

1. Balance your plate: Make sure your protein sources provide enough essential amino acids, the building blocks of protein. To do this, include a variety of sources like lean meats and beans.

2. Mix it up: Variety is key! Try to alternate between animal proteins (such as poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy) and plant-based proteins (like nuts, legumes, and quinoa). This will provide a variety of essential amino acids.

Carbohydrate Pairing Strategies

1. Go for whole grains: Whole grains are an excellent source of complex carbohydrates, which provide long-term energy and essential vitamins and minerals. Try to choose brown rice, quinoa, barley or oats over white potatoes or processed cereals.

2. Pair with healthy fats: Healthy fats can help improve the absorption of certain vitamins and minerals, as well as slow the digestion of carbohydrates. Try to pair whole grains with healthy fats like olive oil, avocados, nuts and seeds.

These strategies can help you create well-balanced, tasty meals that will keep you feeling full and energized. By incorporating a wide variety of proteins and carbohydrates into your diet, you’ll be able to create delicious dishes that are both nutritious and enjoyable.

Here are some awesome snack ideas you can start incorporating into your routing!

Pair one item from the protein list with an item on the carbs list to make a balanced snack that will keep your blood sugar in check:

Protein                                                Carbs

Handful of nuts                               Fruit

1 cup Greek yogurt                         5 Whole wheat crackers

2 Deli turkey slices                         1 whole grain tortilla

1 oz beef jerky                                  1 oz whole wheat pretzels

Hard-boiled egg                              1 cup regular yogurt

½ cup cottage cheese                  ¼ cup granola

1 tbsp Peanut butter                      3 cups popcorn

2 Tbsp Hummus                              ½ cup dried fruit

1 oz cheese                                        1 cup raw vegetables