How Do You Create a Balanced Plate? First – Vegetables A great way to start is to fill half of your plate with loads of non-starchy vegetables or salad. Veggies are low in energy and rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fibre. Whether you enjoy eating them as a salad, roasted, steamed, in a soup or stew, they are always a great addition to your meal. Great vegetables to include are lettuce, spinach, cucumber, eggplant, broccoli, carrot, capsicum, onions and beetroot. Second – Protein Nex