Eat Smart! My Plate & Dietary Guidelines

Gr 7 Up—The new MyPlate dietary guidelines are introduced to help viewers make healthy eating choices. Viewers are instructed to visualize a plate that is half filled with fruits and vegetables, a quarter filled with grains, and another quarter filled with protein; there's also a side of dairy. They are advised that nutrient dense, fresh foods should be emphasized rather than processed items containing chemicals, dyes, preservatives, salt, and sugar. Teens will note the difference in calories between a baked potato (145) and French fries (539). Balancing calories to maintain healthy weight is discussed. The audience is encouraged to take the apple test when going for a snack: if you are not hungry enough to eat an apple, then maybe you aren't really hungry. Plate size is also a consideration-a big plate makes portions look smaller. The benefits of physical activity are highlighted. The program concludes with the caveat to avoid empty calories from solid fats and added sugars in processed snacks. The narrator is upbeat and encouraging. Shots of colorful, fresh foods and people from diverse backgrounds engaging in a variety of activities make the video visually engaging. Simple and to the point, this production offers sound advice on good nutrition.—Constance Dickerson, Cleveland Heights-University Heights Public Library, OH