MyPlate

Gr 1—6—The food pyramid has been replaced by an easier to understand "MyPlate" icon, and registered dietician Melissa Halas-Liang takes viewers into the kitchen to explain how that plate should be filled. Along with two enthusiastic teens, she assembles healthy tacos, breakfast smoothies, fresh pizzas, desserts, and more, while discussing food groups and teaching how to make wise food choices. Students learn the benefits of low-fat dairy products; the difference between hydrogenated and saturated fats; to choose whole grains, colorful fruits, and vegetables; and to drink water instead of soda and sugary juice drinks. They are even challenged to become "sugar detectives" and to read nutrition labels on foods to determine the amount of added sugar. The benefits of exercise are explained as well. Each kitchen demonstration is interspersed with interviews of real youngsters who talk about their favorite foods, which offers a change of pace, but adds little to the film's content. On-screen captions, such as a warning not to use the stove without an adult, would probably be missed by younger viewers. The recipes will appeal to older students, while the often-repeated instructions to choose fresh, whole foods in proper proportions and to make a colorful plate will impress the youngest viewers.—MaryAnn Karre, Horace Mann and Thomas Jefferson Elementary Schools, Binghamton, NY