Thursday, September 22, 2011

Nutrition 2011: MyPlate


MyPyramid to MyPlate ...Wondering how to work this into your life?  The MyPlate is an icon that has been developed to help individuals visualize the appropriate amounts and portions of food from each food group.  There are five food groups: Grains, Vegetables, Fruits, Dairy, and Protein.  The new key messages are based on the 2010 Dietary Guidelines.  Note the vegetables group is larger than the grains group on the MyPlate when comparing to the MyPyramid, thus encouraging people to increase the amount of vegetables on their plate.  The "Selected Messages for Consumers - Make half your plate fruits and vegetables." 

Healthy Tip of the Day:  Eating pasta tonight?  Try adding an extra scoop of tomato sauce to your pasta and add a salad with a twist: toss some cucumbers, tomatoes, and bell peppers in some low-fat or fat-free dressing to add a little more zing to your plate.    
This is the icon for MyPlate which replaced MyPyramid in June 2011. The new MyPlate icon is composed of a plate divided into 4 sections: fruits, vegetables, grains, and protein. A dairy section is off the plate to the side. The MyPlate graphic is positioned on a placemat with the website ChooseMyPlate.gov written underneath. The 5 sections of MyPlate are clickable and go to food group subpages.

Friday, September 16, 2011

Nutrition 2011: Protein Pancakes

Looking for an egg-citing way to bulk up your pancakes?  In place of traditional pancakes try adding some extra protein and calcium to your day while sneaking in some whole grains.  Protein pancakes will provide you with more natural and cheaper way to add more protein to your day. 

Healthy Tip of the Day:  Try protein pancakes
   
1/3 cup of dry oats
1/2 cup of cottage cheese
1 teaspoon of vanilla
2 eggs
2 egg whites

Blend ingredients together. Pour desired amount on hot and lightly sprayed skillet.  Add fruit preserves in place of syrup.