Prepare Two Vegetables Sides with your Dinner: Substitute that portion of your plate which is usually set aside for starches (pasta, grains) with another vegetable. This is usually a quarter of the plate. If you are substituting it for a root vegetable (carrots, potatoes, beets, etc.) just make sure the other is a green leafy vegetable. A salad on top of this is a great way to feel full and add dietary fiber.