CHOOSE MY PLATE

by Author erosenzweig_38r11gxo on Posted on Thursday, September 8, 2011
Health & Nutrition, Promotions

Recently Souplantation and Sweet Tomatoes restaurants have become a community partner with ChooseMyPlate.gov, an organization that is designed to remind Americans to eat healthfully; it is not intended to change consumer behavior alone.

Making food choices for a healthy lifestyle can be as simple as using these 5 Tips of the ChooseMyPlate.gov top 10 List.
Use the ideas in this list to balance your calories, to choose foods to eat more often, and to cut back on foods
to eat less often.

1.   balance calories

Find out how many calories YOU need for a day as a first step in managing your weight. Go to

www.ChooseMyPlate.gov to find your calorie level. Being physically active also helps you balance calories.

2.     enjoy your food, but eat less Take the time to fully enjoy

your food as you eat it. Eating  too fast or when your attention is  elsewhere may lead to eating too

many calories. Pay attention to hunger and fullness cues before, during, and after meals. Use them to recognize when to eat and when you’ve had enough.

3.   avoid oversized portions

Use a smaller plate, bowl, and glass. Portion out

foods before you eat. When eating out, choose a smaller size option, share a dish, or take home part of

your meal.

4.   foods to eat more often

Eat more vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and fat-free or 1% milk and dairy products. These foods have the nutrients you need for health—including potassium, calcium, vitamin D, and fiber. Make them the

basis for meals and snacks.

5.   make half your plate fruits and vegetables

Choose red, orange, and dark-green vegetables like tomatoes, sweet potatoes, and broccoli, along with other vegetables for your meals. Add fruit to meals as part of main or side dishes or as dessert.