MyPlate Brochure English

“MyPlate at Home” Handout (English)

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Research undertaken to inform the development of nutrition education materials
for the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service

MyPlate at Home
Use MyPlate to Help Your Child Learn
to Make Healthy Food Choices

Find recipes and more on the Team Nutrition website:
teamnutrition.usda.gov

MyPlate at Home

Tips for Families with School-aged Children
Encourage your kids to make
half their plate fruits and
vegetables.
• Want your kids to reach for a
healthy snack? Make sure fruits
and veggies are visible and
in reach.
• Let your kids be “produce
pickers.” Help them pick
fruits and veggies at the
store or farmers market.
• Eating out? Ask for a side
of vegetables or a salad.

Give yourself and those you love the
goodness of whole grains.
• Help your kids get their day off to a healthy start by
starting each day the whole-grain way. Serve whole-grain
versions of cereal, bread, or pancakes at breakfast.
• Whole grains give your kids B vitamins, minerals and
fiber to help them feel full longer so they stay alert to
concentrate at school.
• Make at least half of the grains you and your family eat
whole grains – such as bread and tortillas, pasta, and
cereals. Choose foods with “100% whole wheat” or
“100% whole grains” on the label.

Ways my family can build a healthier plate:
Eat a dark-green, red or orange vegetable at dinner.
Switch to a whole grain cereal at breakfast.
Drink fat-free or low-fat (1%) milk at meals.
Include beans or peas at dinner at least once a week.
Drink water, milk, or 100% juice instead of soda
or other sweet drinks when we are thirsty.

Offer your school-age kids
fat-free or low-fat (1%) milk
and yogurt at meals and
snacks.
• Milk matters. Children of every age,
and adults too, need the calcium,
protein and vitamin D found in
milk for strong bones, teeth and
muscles.
• If you are lactose intolerant, try
lactose-free or lactose-reduced
milk or calcium-fortified soy
beverages.

Drink water instead of sugary drinks.
• Kids can fill up on these sweetened drinks and not have
an appetite for foods they need for growth and health.
• There are about 10 packets of sugar in a 12-ounce can
of soda. Fruit drinks and sports drinks are other types of
sugary drinks.
• Instead, choose water most of the time or 100% juice
some of the time.

Make family time an active time.
• Children need at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous
physical activity each day.
• Plan a family park day or an active outing once a week.
Take a brisk walk around the neighborhood, visit
the park, bike, play a game
or sport together.

Visit teamnutrition.usda.gov
for more information and tips!

U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service • September 2012 • FNS-XXX • USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.