Presentation Ideas -- MyPlate

Activity 1 - Meet the PlateBring samples of a wide variety of foods and arrange them on a table in your classroom. Outline the five basic MyPlate groups, then ask students to organize the samples into MyPlate’s categories. While participants are rearranging the foods, discuss a few of MyPlate’s main points. Be sure to include...• Enjoy your food, but eat less.• Avoid oversized portions.• Make half your plate fruits and vegetables.• Make at least half your grains whole grains.• Switch to fat-free or low-fat (1%) dairy products.• Compare sodium in foods like soup, bread, and frozen meals -- and choose the food with lower numbers.• Drink water instead of sugary drinksActivity 2 - Make It OverPlace a value meal with a large burger, large fries and large soda on and around a plate. Print out the nutrient analysis from the fast food restaurant. Haveparticipants try to fit the items on the plate and calculate the calories. Then use the same burger and a fast food salad to make my plate. One piece of bun, one piece of burger then half the plate is salad without dressing.What are the results? By our calculations you will go from around 900 calories to just over 300 calories using the MyPlate method. You can also add apple dippers so you have a fruit item.Activity 3- MyPlate TriviaDivide participants into bal- anced teams and bring on the trivia. The first team to answer each question correctly will earn a point, and the team with the most points at the end of the game wins.1. How much of your plate should be filled with fruits and vegetables at each meal?Answer: Half2. What should you drink instead of sugary drinks?Answer: Water or skim milk3. What are the five main MyPlate food groups?Answer: Fruits, Vegetables, Grains, Protein, and Dairy