In our culture we are very used to making three dishes; a first that is usually vegetable, a second that includes protein and, finally, dessert. But by making three courses, we often overeat. The single dish can be a way to make cooking easier and eat the right amount, but it has to be done right.
Anabel Fernández is the Nutrition Director at Koa Center and recommends making just one dish, but having a little bit of everything. The Harvard plate method gives the appropriate proportions of foods: ½ of the plate vegetables, ¼ of carbohydrates and ¼ of protein, whether animal or vegetable.
Food does not need to be separated on the plate. We can make a single dish with everything mixed. We have many options to maintain nutritional balance on the plate. Making a salad with chicken and pasta or making a legume dish with vegetables (legumes include carbohydrates and proteins) will be a good way to have a healthy meal.
