What’s Your Healthy Eating Style?

It’s National Nutrition Month, which means there is no shortage of nutrition advice out there.  The information can be overwhelming and confusing.  No two bodies are alike, which is why you should strive to find your own healthy-eating style and maintain it for a lifetime.  MyPlate is a great guide for finding healthy eating solutions.  Choosing healthy foods and drinks creates personal “ wins.”  If you make “ winning” choices more often, you create a healthier now and a better future for ourselves.

FOLLOW A HEALTHY EATING PATTERN OVER TIME TO HELP SUPPORT A HEALTHY BODY WEIGHT AND REDUCE THE RISK OF CHRONIC DISEASE

1. Follow a healthy eating pattern across the lifespan.  All food and beverage choices matter.  Choose a healthy eating pattern at an appropriate calorie level to help achieve and maintain a healthy body weight, support nutrient adequacy, and reduce the risk of chronic disease.

2. Focus on variety, nutrient density, and amount.  To meet nutrient needs within calorie limits, choose a variety of nutrient-dense foods across and within all food groups in recommended amounts.

3. Limit calories from added sugars and saturated fats and reduce sodium intake.  Consume an eating pattern low in added sugars, saturated fats, and sodium.  Cut back on foods and beverages higher in these components to amounts that fit within healthy eating patterns.

4. Shift to healthier food and beverage choices.  Choose nutrient-dense foods and beverages across and within all food groups in place of less healthy choices.  Consider cultural and personal preferences to make these shifts easier to accomplish and maintain.

5. Support healthy eating patterns for all.  Everyone has a role in helping to create and support healthy eating patterns in multiple settings nationwide, from home to school to work to communities.

Reference:

Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. (n.d.). Follow a healthy eating pattern across the lifespan [Infographic].

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For the Classroom: Mini MyPlate Pizzas

GRADES: K-8

These mini pizzas are a delicious and filling snack that includes all five food groups of the MyPlate!  Choose whole-grain bagels ( grain), fresh tomato sauce ( fruit), part-skim mozzarella cheese ( dairy),
grilled chicken (protein), and your choice of crunchy fruit or vegetables ( vegetable).

Ingredients:

• Mini whole-grain bagels or English muffins
• Tomato sauce
• Part-skim mozzarella cheese
• Grilled chicken
• Other toppings may include: sliced tomatoes, spinach, pineapple, and even broccoli

Instructions:

 1. Cut mini bagels in half.

2. Place a tablespoon of tomato sauce on top of bagel slice.

3. Sprinkle with cheese.

4. Top with chicken pieces and a few slices of fresh fruit or veggies.  Note: green veggies go best under cheese.

5. Place in toaster oven until cheese melts and bagel is toasted.

6. ENJOY!

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Interested in bringing this topic to your classroom? Try Food for Thought 

The Poe Center offers a wide variety of  nutrition and physical activity classes for preschool – 12th grades and adults.  Call 919-231-4006 or go on line to schedule a program.