Eat Smart! MyPlate & 2010 Dietary Guidelines

Gr 7 Up—This interactive and extensive program helps students learn how to build a meal that is healthy and lean. The software creates a visual representation of the food groups on a plate, and users pick the food category (dairy, fruits, vegetables, grains, protein) to build a "meal." Each section offers an overview of the food group, along with valuable tips and advice. For example, in the dairy section, users are told that skim milk has the same nutrients as whole milk, but with much less fat. The protein section mentions the importance of eating fish, but notes that sometimes fish can be contaminated with mercury. There is an extensive amount of information available, so it takes quite a bit of time to sort through each food group. Some notable and helpful tips include healthy cooking methods (to retain nutrients and lower fat intake), how to choose vegetables in the supermarket, and the difference between "refined" and "enriched" grains. The concepts of "nutrient-density" and "balancing calories" are presented in an understandable manner. The program also teaches students what happens in the body when food is consumed, which will help them understand how to lose weight, burn more calories, and stay healthy. Students are encouraged to visit and use the Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion's website (choosemy-plate.gov). The accompanying teacher's guide is extensive, and teachers wishing to incorporate it into lessons should plan on an extended unit.—Pamela Schembri, Newburgh Enlarged City Schools, NY