Beyond the Kitchen—August Nutrition News

Read through this month's for tips on how to use the USDA's My Plate model and add these delicious low cost meals to your summer menu.

What is MyPlate?
Imagaine filling half of your plate with delcious, seasonal fruits & veggies, like a stir fried vegetable medley. Now, fill a quarter of that plate with grains, like steamy brown rice, and the last quarter of your plate with protein, like marinaded chicken- you just made yourself a splendid stir fry. Filling your plate like this adds up to one flavorful and healthful combination... this is MyPlate.

MyPlate is a nutrition program from the USDA that visually represents a well-balanced, nutritious plate.  It was established in 2011 as a visual model of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and as a replacement for the previous food guide pyramid. Simply put, MyPlate suggests you fill half of  your plate with fruits and/or vegetables, a quarter of your plate with grains, and the last quarter of your plate with protein-rich foods. The combinations for healthy meals are endless!

MyPlate is a way to find a healthy eating lifestyle that works for you and can be followed throughout your  lifetime.  It  provides  general guidelines for Americans that can be personalized to fit each person’s health needs and food preferences. If you are thinking of making  changes  to  your  diet,  you don’ t need to start by changing everything all at once. MyPlate encourages making small changes you know you can maintain. Click here for suggestions on how to make MyPlate work for you!

Try these delicious recipes using My Plate Guidelines

Don't forget to catch up on these awesome cooking videos from our Nutrition Education Team

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