Build a Healthy Plate Featuring MyPlate and the 2010 Dietary Guidelines Project Sponsors •USDA project funded through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program •School District of Philadelphia •Department of Nutrition Sciences, Drexel University Sort the foods into the correct food groups This activity looks easier than it really is! Why is a healthy diet important? • Helps manage weight and prevents overweight and obesity • Reduces the risk of chronic disease • Reduces the risk of early mortality What is MyPlate? • MyPlate is a tool designed to remind Americans to eat healthfully • MyPlate illustrates the five food groups using a familiar mealtime visual, a place setting MyPlate Key Messages • Balancing Calories – Enjoy your food, but eat less – Avoid oversized portions • Foods to Increase – Make half your plate fruits & vegetables – Make at least half your grains whole – Switch to low-fat (1%) or fat-free (skim) milk • Foods to Reduce – Choose foods that have less sodium – Drink water instead of sugary drinks Build a Healthy Plate by Choosing… • Nutrient-dense foods instead of calorie-dense foods • A variety of fruits and vegetables in a rainbow of colors • Low-fat or fat free milk and dairy products • Fiber-rich whole grains • Protein foods that are low in fat CUT BACK on SOFAS! • SOLID FATS – Saturated fat & trans fat  heart disease – Replace with healthy unsaturated fat • ADDED SUGAR – Sugar adds calories  weight gain – Choose water, 100% juice and fruit for dessert • SALT (SODIUM) – Raises blood pressure  hypertension – Processed foods, fast food, frozen meals – Season with spices and herbs instead of salt Not all foods are created equal! Any-Time Sometimes Balancing Calories • Eat the right amount of calories for you • Enjoy your food, but eat less • Cut back on foods high in SOFAS and empty calories • Avoid oversized portions • Stop eating when you feel full • Get enough physical activity Physical Activity • Choose activities you like to – – – – Aerobic Muscle-strengthening Bone-strengthening Balance and stretching • Start by doing what you can, at least 10 minutes at a time Recommendation: 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity per day Benefits of Physical Activity • • • • • • • • Maintain a healthy weight Live longer Feel better about yourself Decrease chance of becoming depressed Sleep better Meet new friends Stronger bones and muscles Less likely to develop chronic diseases – Heart disease, type diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, stroke Nutrition Facts Labels • Use food labels to help you make better choices • Check for calories • Look at the serving size and how many servings you are actually consuming • Choose foods with lower calories, saturated fat, trans fat, and sodium • Check for added sugars using the ingredients list How does your diet compare to what you should be eating? QUESTIONS???? ... mortality What is MyPlate? • MyPlate is a tool designed to remind Americans to eat healthfully • MyPlate illustrates the five food groups using a familiar mealtime visual, a place setting MyPlate Key...Project Sponsors •USDA project funded through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program •School District of Philadelphia •Department of Nutrition