For Adults

MyPlate – For Adults

The U.S Department of Agriculture (USDA) have released many documents and other interesting material to guide Americans about MyPlate, which is based on the 2010 Dietary Guidelines For Americans.

In this section we have collected links to resources that may be of interest concerning information on MyPlate for adults. Not only will you find posters and tip sheets on MyPlate, but you will also find links to other material from different organizations.

The 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans

The 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans aims to encourage a healthier lifestyle by taking action in the following ways:

• Balance your calories and avoid oversized portions. Use a smaller plate, bowl and glass. By eating less, you can still enjoy your food and stay healthy.
• Make sure that your food servings consist of 50% fruits and vegetables, and that at least 50% of the grains are whole grains.
• Reduce your fat, salt and sugar intake. To reduce your fat intake, pick lean protein and switch to fat-free or low-fat milk (1%). Choose foods with lower sodium/salt content to reduce your salt intake. Consume less sugar by avoiding sugary beverages. Drink water instead.
• Read the Nutrition Facts Labels and choose foods with lower calories, saturated fats, trans fats, sodium and sugar. Notice that when sugar is close to first on the ingredient list, the food is high on added sugars. Examples of names of added sugars are glucose, sucrose, fructose, corn syrup and maple syrup.
• Vary your protein sources. Eat seafood twice a week, and choose beans that are filled with protein and fiber.
• Move your body everyday. Pick physical activities that you like and do them for at least 10 minutes at a time.

These are just some of the messages that the USDA promotes throughout their website, which you will find more on in the “Resource” section further down the page. There are also some great tip sheets that you could print out. Why not put them on your fridge as a reminder and inspiration on your new and exciting journey towards a healthier lifestyle?

We hope you find something of interest, but if you think something is missing on this section, please get in touch with us and let us know what other resources should be added.

Resources for Adults – by USDA

• MyPlate Mini Poster
• Dietary Guidelines Consumer Brochure – Let’s eat for the health of it
• The Complete Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2010

10 Tips Nutrition Education Series

• Choose My Plate – 10 Tips to a great plate
• Add more Vegetables t your diet – 10 Tips to help you eat more vegetables
• Focus on Fruits – 10 Tips to help you eat more fruits
• Make half your Grains whole – 10 Tips to help you eat grains
• Got your Dairy today? – 10 Tips to help you eat and drink more fat-free or low-fat dairy foods
• With Protein foods, variety is key – 10 Tips for choosing protein
• Build a Healthy meal – 10 Tips for healthy meals
• Healthy Eating for Vegetarians – 10 Tips for vegetarians
• Smart Shopping for Veggies and Fruits – 10 Tips for affordable vegetables and fruits
• Liven up your Meals with Vegetables and Fruits – 10 Tips to improve your meals with vegetables and fruits
• Salt and Sodium – 10 Tips to help you cut back
• Eat Seafood Twice a Week – 10 Tips to help you eat more seafood
• Eating Better on a Budget – 10 Tips to help you stretch your food dollars
• Use Super Tracker your way – 10 Tips to get started
• Enjoy your food, but eat less – 10 Tips to enjoying your meal
• Find the SUPER TRACKER

Resources for Adults – by the Dairy Council of California

The resources by the Dairy Council of California, are based on the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

• Blood Pressure and the Dash Diet
• Fuel Your Body – Sports Recovery Drink
• Healthier Eating and Physical Activity – Tips for Older Adults
• Reach for a healthy beverage – What should I drink?

Do you want to learn more about MyPlate?

For a more comprehensive but easy-to-read review on MyPlate, visit the MyPlate  section. There you will learn everything from the colors of the USDA’s plate model, to the recommended daily intake for each food group.