The recommendation is to make half of your plate vegetables, one quarter of your plate protein, and one quarter starches or carbohydrates. 

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The holiday season is almost upon us and a local nutritionist is encouraging people to make healthy decisions.

Clinical Registered Dietician at Piedmont Macon Medical Center, Emelina Perez, says she suggests people use the plate method recommendation set by the American Diabetes Association.

The plate method recommends serving meals on a 9-inch plate. The recommendation is to make half of your plate vegetables, one quarter of your plate protein, and one quarter starches or carbohydrates.

“If you are cooking, and if you are doing stuffing or something that’s a carb, add vegetables to it,” says Perez. “Add onion, or spinach, or kale or something.”

Perez says go for a walk after you eat to help regulate your sugar levels.

“Activity really does help your body use up that sugar after you eat,” says Perez. “Usually those carbohydrates turn into sugar and if we don’t move then it’s just kind of there.”

If you need more personal nutrition guidance, there are nutrition counseling services at Piedmont Macon North Hospital. You can call 478-757-6225 for more details.