Keep the Meal Real
Information for patients
NHS Lanarkshire Dietetic Department
PIL.KTMEAL.22_19533.L
Enjoy eating for better physical & mental health
Aim to have 3 main eating times each day to;
- Satisfiy hunger
- Fuel your body & brain
- Help you feel good about food
Keep it simple, keep it balanced by having the 3 main food types in every meal.


Try to eat regularly at least every 4 hours.
Where do I get these different food types from?

Balanced meal ideas
Morning or first meal
 | Starch | Protein | Fruit & Veg |
Meal Idea | Toast | Yoghurt | Fruit juice |
Meal Idea | Cereal or porridge | Milk | Dried fruit |
Meal Idea | Toast | Eggs | Tomato/mushrooms |
Meal Idea | Roll | Bacon | Fruit juice |

Light meal
 | Starch | Protein | Fruit & Veg |
Meal Idea | Toast | Beans/scrambled eggs | Fruit |
Meal Idea | Bread/wrap | Cold meat | Vegetable soup |
Meal Idea | Oatcakes | Humous/cheese | Vegetable sticks |
Meal Idea | Baked potato | Tuna/chilli/beans | Salad |
Meal Idea | Pasta/rice/couscous | Chicken | Salad |

Main meal
 | Starch | Protein | Fruit & Veg |
Meal Idea | Potatoes | Mince | Carrots |
Meal Idea | Rice/naan bread | Chicken curry | Fruit |
Meal Idea | Pizza | Cheese (Pizza) | Soup OR Salad, Tomato (Pizza) |
Meal Idea | Chips | Fish | Peas |
Meal Idea | Pasta | Cheese | Vegetables |

Pub. date: September 2022
Review date: September 2024
Issue No: 01
Reference: PIL.KTMEAL.22_19533.L
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