The US MyPlate Food-Based Model - Case Study Example

PUBLIC HEALTH NUTRITION Introduction Public health nutrition entails the promotion of the good healthy by use of good nutrition and prevention of the illnesses related to the nutrition in the population. The program gives the practical solutions to the health problems related to the nutrition. U.S Department of health is mandated to ensure that public gets up to date nutritional advice after every five years that is sound and most current. This program is designed to reduce and prevent chronic diet-related diseases while promoting healthy weight and good health to individuals of the age of two and older (Vir, 2011). Thesis: My Plate food models are promoting public health nutrition. The argument will be proved by the close analysis of the models, and the relevant conclusions will be made. Dietary Guidelines These guidelines entail two concepts, which include; maintenance of calorie to achieve healthy weight and to eat nutrient dense foods and intake of beverages (Tikkanen and Urho, 2009). The guidelines are again categorized as: The calorie is balancing to manage weight. Foods and food components to be reduced. Nutrients and foods to increase. Food icon The food guide has been in use and became the most recognized and influential in the food guides in history. The guide has been widely used by the educators, food industry, schools and the general public (Semba and Bloem, 2008). A plate icon has been used due to its association with eating to convey the message to the public on health eating. A healthy eating plate has been created to by nutrition experts. The eating plate makes the best eating choices. The model of the use of My Plate for healthy eating has a detailed guideline on how to balanced, healthy meals (Lawrence and Worsley, 2008). Nor people are advised to place the copy of the My Plate on their refrigerators as a remainder. The plate has the following specifications: Making the most of the meal to be fruits and the vegetables Public is advised to take the fruits of different varieties and color; this is to enhance their immunity and gain more nutrients from the foods. This step is quite essential in healthy eating and getting enough nutrients required in the body (Lawrence and Worsley, 2008). If out of the whole plate more than half of the plate is the vegetables and fruits then the meal will be quite useful to the one taking it. Eating whole grains The model illustrates that a quarter of the plate should contain the whole grains. These grains are essential to the users digestive system as they prevent the constipation as the roughage they possess will be of benefit to the digestion. Thus as per the model this aspect goes well with the intake of a good diet (Hughes and Margetts, 2011). Though in many cases the individual does the reverse, where they take in less of the grains that are not in accordance with the model directive. In such cases, people find themselves having complications. These complications can be avoided by the intake of the right amount of grains in the meals. Again apart from the roughages contained in the whole grains, they also contain the starch that is quite essential in the providing the body with the required energy. Thus, the model of the My Plate gives the right diet guidelines. Examples of the whole grains include; barley, whole wheat, wheat berries, oats, quinoa, rice and other foods with a milder effect to blood sugar level. Protein containing foods A quarter of the plate should contain the protein containing foods. This type of food provides the body with energy and protection it requires against disease-causing organisms. The foods which one is advised to take include beans, chicken, fish, and nuts as they contain versatile proteins. These foods can be mixed with salad and vegetable on the same plate (Gibney, 2010). The model also advises on limiting the red meat and the processed one such as sausage and bacon. This idea is very critical to the public diet since most people dont know how to balance the foods in their diet. Healthy plant oils The model illustrates that one should take vegetable oils such as canola, olive, corn, soy, peanut, sunflower, and other which are not partially hydrogenated as they contain a lot of fats in them. People neglect these oils but are very important in their diets; hence this model gives the right guideline on the proper feeding and healthy intake of the balanced diet (Elliott, 2014). Drink water, take coffee and tea The model shows that people should take in less sugary substances. One should limit milk and it products intake and limit juice a very small glass per day. Many people in America are accustomed to the food plates where they are advised on the right combinations of the foods they should take for the healthy diets. The healthy eating plate mainly focuses on the quality of the diet (Carr and Descheemaeker, 2009). With this My Plate model, many people who are not aware of the proper eating habits will be properly guided and will be able to take balanced diets. Thus, the plate models are beneficial to the public. However, there are some inadequacies associated with these models, for instance in the My Plate model does not provide the amount of the calories one should take in a day. Though it advises on how to minimize the usage of some foods as they increase the others; the model does not specify the quantity of calorie intake in a day for specific age, gender, level of activity and body size. Thus on this aspect people normally rely on approximations (Bronner, 2009). These approximations may not fare well with the expected intake of the calorie in a person per day. Again, the models find another criticism in the aspect of the amount of alcohol one should take in a day. The model only advises the person to a little of it, which is not quantified to a certain amount that is effective to the body. Some other models do not even include alcohol in their foods list, which leaves an agony to the individuals who normally take alcohol for their pleasure. Again on alcohol, since some models do not have alcohol in them, there is a very big question on who should take it and at what age. Choosing My Plate it is quite beneficial to the general public in the maintenance of the healthy eating. My Plate food model has been promoting public health nutrition. When individual follow the schedule and use the right quantities of foods as indicated in the guide, the person will be in a good status of health and avoid some chronic diseases. Diseases like the cancers, obesity and the heart diseases will be avoided by eating healthily (Barker, Best and Domjan, 2008). My Plate also helps one to be an example to the other and mentor them. Taking an example of those people who deal with young children in day to day activities, the person will be able to mentor the kids on their feeding habits. Again the models advise one to have some physical exercises after some time; this keeps the body in good condition. Thus, if the general public uses the models properly both in U.S and the rest of the world, it will help individuals to avoid some nutritional problems. The families that cannot afford their diet advisers are also assisted in making a choice of the right foods to take the model. Thus, the models of foods are of great benefit to the public though they have some inadequacies (Carr and Descheemaeker, 2009). The models have also made things much simpler since when one has a personal guide; it is very much easier to access. Again their guides can be accessed online, this makes the information reach many and with a lot of conveniences. The guides will give the individuals the tips on how use the right quantities of nutrients in their daily meals. Such nutrients like calcium, potassium, and vitamin D, are quite essential the persons body for proper functioning and the development. The intake of vegetables and the fruits boosts the body immunity of an individual. Thus, they tend to be resistive to diseases and other common illnesses. Conclusion It can be observed that the My Plate food model is promoting the public health nutrition. In a number of ways the models are quite beneficial to the public, thus the impact they have to the public cannot be underestimated. Many people who might have been struggling to make choices of their daily composition in their meals are helped by the guidelines provided in the My Plate model. Through the adherence to the guidelines, many people have avoided some nutritional diseases that could have disturbed them if otherwise. People who follow the guidelines lead a healthy life and live life with fewer complications associated with the diet. If the models can be embraced internationally, they can help the public. References Health tools to promote healthy eating habits. (2012). Public Health Nutrition, 15(8A), p.1587. Barker, L., Best, M. and Domjan, M. (2008). Learning mechanisms in food selection. [Waco, Tex.]: Baylor University Press. Bronner, F. (2009). Nutrition policy in public health. New York: Springer Pub. Co. Carr, T. and Descheemaeker, K. (2009). Nutrition and health. Oxford: Blackwell Science. Charny, M. and Lewis, P. (2008). Does health knowledge affect eating habits?. Health Education Journal, 46(4), pp.172-176. Does health knowledge affect eating habits?. (2009). Health Education Journal, 47(1), pp.6-6. Elliott, C. (2014). When my plate is empty: Internal vs. external cues to meal cessation reported by children. Food Quality and Preference, 37, pp.45-51. Gardu Diaz, S. and Khokhar, S. (2014). Eating habits and nutrient intake IN US. Public Health, 128(11), pp.1043-1046. Gibney, M. (2010). Public health nutrition. Oxford, UK: Blackwell Science. Gibney, M., Margetts, B., Kearney, J. and Arab, L. (2012). Public Health Nutrition. Oxford: Wiley. Hughes, R. and Margetts, B. (2011). Practical public health nutrition. Chichester, West Sussex, U.K.: Wiley-Blackwell. Lawrence, M. and Worsley, T. (2008). Public health nutrition. Maidenhead: Open University Press. Semba, R. and Bloem, M. (2008). Nutrition and health in developing countries. Totowa, NJ: Humana Press. Tikkanen, I. and Urho, U. (2009). Free school meals, the plate model, and food choices in Finland. British Food Journal, 111(2), pp.102-119. Vir, S. (2011). Public health nutrition in developing countries. New Delhi: Woodhead Pub. India Pvt. Ltd. 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