This fast-paced and entertaining program conforms with the newest USDA Dietary Guidelines for Americans, released in January, 2011. Viewers learn about MyPlate, the latest visual representation of what—and how much—we should eat at one sitting. Program identifies the five food groups (fruits, grains, vegetables, protein and dairy) and shares valuable details about how young students can make nutrient-rich choices for each food group. Aside from reviewing MyPlate strategies, the program shows elementary students tips for eating smarter, selecting smaller portions, exercising more and understanding basic information about nutrition and food labeling. This comprehensive program offers young viewers the basics for avoiding obesity and maintaining a healthy lifestyle in an age-appropriate, memorable fashion.
Includes:
video, plus teacher’s resource book, student handouts and pre/post tests in digital format
DVD contains Spanish subtitles.
Reviews
In a fast-paced and entertaining style, this video introduces students to MyPlate, the new USDA Guidelines for Americans that explain how to eat a balanced and healthy diet. Comparing our bodies to cars, the two teen narrators explain that food and calories are fuel for our bodies and help us grow strong and healthy. The kind of food that we eat is as important as the amount that is consumed, and the narrators use entertaining examples and definitions to demonstrate the value of eating a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables, as well as grains, proteins, and dairy products. The influence of advertising on our diets and the dangers of fast-food are addressed in a very impressive demonstration. A typical fast-food meal is analyzed for its fat and sugar content, and then an alternative fast-food meal is recommended. The teens stress the importance of regular exercise, and warn viewers to limit television viewing and computer use. The impressive 44-page teacher resource book, available on the DVD, contains a pre- and post-test, as well as a program summary, journals, games and activities for students, and fact sheets. This fact-filled production targets typical adolescents and provides an excellent introduction to a healthy lifestyle.
- MaryAnn Karre, Horace Mann and Thomas Jefferson Elementary Schools, Binghamton, NY
School Library Journal
Recommended Focusing on the newest plate-based dietary guidelines, My Plate and You is aimed at younger set than the companion DVD, My Plate My Health. Like My Plate My Health, this film also provides clear and easy guidance toward achieving a “balance” (an important concept) of healthy food intake and exercise but for elementary/middle school age kids rather than teens. There’s a pleasing mix of cartoons, graphics and live action film, as well as a nice diversity of kids. (The only notable exception is the inclusion of any even slightly overweight kids. It might help kids with weight problems to see themselves reflected in the film as a positive model of changing habits.) The use of a car filling up with gas makes a nice analogy to “filling up” with calories and expending them through exercise, and the focus on raising awareness about the loads of fat and sugar in fast foods and sodas is important. A good addition to health collections for children and/or fitness instructors or school nurses.
- Kay Hogan Smith, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Lister Hill Library of the Health Sciences
Educational Media Reviews Online (EMRO)