If you aren't familiar with MyPlate, it's a set of guidelines released by the USDA. The goal of MyPlate is to provide nutritional information to Americans to help them make better dietary choices. It's a successor to the long-standing food pyramid. Depending on when you grew up, you may be familiar with the food pyramid already.
MyPlate is designed to be simple, making it easier to understand what you need to do. This particular article will detail the fruits group, according to MyPlate's guidelines.
Key Points
- The amount of fruit you need each day will depend on your age and gender.
- Sweet fruits are a better choice for kids versus tart fruits.
- Start your kids' day with a serving of fruit to help them have a good morning.
MyPlate Guidelines On Fruits
The amount of fruit you need to eat each day varies depending on your weight and gender. The range is between 1/2 a cup for toddlers all the way to 2 1/2 cups for men aged 18 to 59. Making sure you and your family get enough fruits each day is very important.
Fruits are packed with a variety of nutrients, such as vitamin C and fiber. Eating a lot of fruit has been shown to reduce your risk for certain diseases. Being nutrient-deficient can also cause its own problems, so all around fruit is a great addition to your diet.
Getting kids to eat fruit is usually not as difficult as the challenge of getting them to eat vegetables. Many fruits are on the sweet side, especially options like strawberries and peaches. Picking the right fruits will make your task easier. Stay away from particularly tart fruits.
You can also mix fruit in with other foods to make it more appealing. Cereal, oatmeal, and yogurt are healthy options to pick. This is a great way to start your kids' day! Starting the day with a healthy dose of fruit never hurt anyone. In fact, it can help your kids remain alert and high-functioning all the way to lunch.