Health News
by Dr. Madelyn Fernstrom
If you?ve found earlier versions of the food pyramid confusing, you?re not alone. The federal government has spent about 3 years, and nearly $3 million dollars to develop a ?snapshot? for daily nutrition advice on healthy eating. A new icon ? a circular plate (with a small circle signifying dairy) ? is meant to change the way we think about food choices. It?s based on how a dinner plate should look when filled with food.
Unveiled last Thursday, the plate is a real eye opener for many people. About half the plate is labeled for fruits and vegetables, with one-quarter of the plate for protein, and the remaining one-quarter for grains. Dairy products are represented as a small circle beside the plate. While that might suggest a glass of milk, it can also be plain yogurt or cheese (choose low or non-fat products).
Detailed advice on this new approach is available at ChooseMyPlate.gov. This is a giant improvement over the old pyramid (for example, what is the significance of that little man dancing up the side??), and definitely provides an easy-to-use visual of the food groups you want to include daily. Foods. It doesn?t have much info about the types of foods nor the amounts; but you can find this on ChooseMyPlate.org. And it?s important to check out the site, for specific guidelines of what to eat. It?s also a great teaching tool, especially for busy families. It is definitely a practical framework from which to begin a healthy meal plan.
While it IS a challenge in the fruit and veggie department ? most people are eating no more than 25% of their plate in produce ? this new emphasis on fruits and vegetables is a way to get people at least thinking about ways to boost their intake to the recommended 50%. And food manufacturers are supporting this idea, and are working to develop additional healthier products on the shelves.
Do you like this approach? Pro-plate or pro-pyramid? Post your opinion!
- New License Plate Would Promote Outdoor Recreation, Support Environmental Education Programs; 900 Buyers Needed To Start
A new "Let's Go Outside" license plate is being offered to give Kentucky motorists the opportunity to promote the health and environmental benefits of outdoor recreation. First Lady Jane Beshear unveiled the license plate June 10. She said that encouraging...
- Children 8-12 Can Submit A Healthy Lunch Recipe By April 5 To Get Chance For Trip To Kids' 'state Dinner' At White House
First Lady Michelle Obama is again teaming up with the Education and Agriculture departments to run a nationwide recipe contest to promote cooking and healthy eating by young people. "Teaching kids to cook is a great way to ensure our children learn healthy...
- Following Advice To Eat Healthy Is Too Expensive For Many
Though the Department of Agriculture has recommended that most of a dinner plate should be filled with foods rich in potassium, dietary fiber, vitamin D and calcium, a new study says adopting such a diet "would add hundreds more dollars to (Americans')...
- What Colors Are Your Fruits And Vegetables?
What Colors Are Your Fruits and Vegetables? by Dr. Madelyn Fernstrom One key to good health is a ?colorful plate.? Colorful fruits and veggies are loaded with vitamins and minerals, as well as ?phytochemicals.? That?s a fancy word for plant nutrients...
- Eating Out With Kids
In recognition of National Nutrition Month, I'll be sharing some healthy eating posts through the rest of this month. Let's start with a look at eating out with kids. We parents all battle the temptation of settling for an unhealthy fast food...
Health News
Hello Dinner Plate, Goodbye Food Pyramid
by Dr. Madelyn Fernstrom
Unveiled last Thursday, the plate is a real eye opener for many people. About half the plate is labeled for fruits and vegetables, with one-quarter of the plate for protein, and the remaining one-quarter for grains. Dairy products are represented as a small circle beside the plate. While that might suggest a glass of milk, it can also be plain yogurt or cheese (choose low or non-fat products).
Detailed advice on this new approach is available at ChooseMyPlate.gov. This is a giant improvement over the old pyramid (for example, what is the significance of that little man dancing up the side??), and definitely provides an easy-to-use visual of the food groups you want to include daily. Foods. It doesn?t have much info about the types of foods nor the amounts; but you can find this on ChooseMyPlate.org. And it?s important to check out the site, for specific guidelines of what to eat. It?s also a great teaching tool, especially for busy families. It is definitely a practical framework from which to begin a healthy meal plan.
While it IS a challenge in the fruit and veggie department ? most people are eating no more than 25% of their plate in produce ? this new emphasis on fruits and vegetables is a way to get people at least thinking about ways to boost their intake to the recommended 50%. And food manufacturers are supporting this idea, and are working to develop additional healthier products on the shelves.
Do you like this approach? Pro-plate or pro-pyramid? Post your opinion!
- New License Plate Would Promote Outdoor Recreation, Support Environmental Education Programs; 900 Buyers Needed To Start
A new "Let's Go Outside" license plate is being offered to give Kentucky motorists the opportunity to promote the health and environmental benefits of outdoor recreation. First Lady Jane Beshear unveiled the license plate June 10. She said that encouraging...
- Children 8-12 Can Submit A Healthy Lunch Recipe By April 5 To Get Chance For Trip To Kids' 'state Dinner' At White House
First Lady Michelle Obama is again teaming up with the Education and Agriculture departments to run a nationwide recipe contest to promote cooking and healthy eating by young people. "Teaching kids to cook is a great way to ensure our children learn healthy...
- Following Advice To Eat Healthy Is Too Expensive For Many
Though the Department of Agriculture has recommended that most of a dinner plate should be filled with foods rich in potassium, dietary fiber, vitamin D and calcium, a new study says adopting such a diet "would add hundreds more dollars to (Americans')...
- What Colors Are Your Fruits And Vegetables?
What Colors Are Your Fruits and Vegetables? by Dr. Madelyn Fernstrom One key to good health is a ?colorful plate.? Colorful fruits and veggies are loaded with vitamins and minerals, as well as ?phytochemicals.? That?s a fancy word for plant nutrients...
- Eating Out With Kids
In recognition of National Nutrition Month, I'll be sharing some healthy eating posts through the rest of this month. Let's start with a look at eating out with kids. We parents all battle the temptation of settling for an unhealthy fast food...