What’s On My Plate?

The US Department of Agriculture has a simple to understand graphic that shows us the types of foods we need to eat and what proportions we should consume

Green for vegetables

Purple for proteins

Red for fruits

Brown for grains

Blue for dairy

Half our plate should be veggies and fruits, with veggies a bit more than fruit

Protein should be not quite one quarter of the plate

Grains should be a bit more than one quarter of the plate

Dairy should be a small amount, less than protein

Water should be the drink of choice

And little to no added fat, salt or sugar

A “serving” is half a cup for most food types, again with the proportions as above.  A serving of meat, chicken or fish is about the size of a deck of cards or the palm of an adult’s hand.

Yes it’s simple, maybe simplistic, but it is something a kindergartner, or someone who can’t read, can understand and put into practice.  The rest of us can spend a lot of time learning what to eat in great detail, but this My Plate gives us a place to start.  And that is the point – you have to start somewhere to get on the road to healthier eating.  It might be smart to start with something simple, like My Plate.

See http://www.choosemyplate.gov/  for more information.

Growing for Good

There is a lot of activity and conversation about local food, in particular about community gardens.  Most community gardens involve neighbors working a plot of land loaned for that purpose.  Those who put in the work share the food that is grown and often give the excess to soup kitchens or food pantries.  Sometimes the gardens are on a church or school property and provide nutrition, education, and recreation for the participants as well as the members or students. 

Ordinances and regulations about community gardens range from non-existent to detailed and controlling.   Some municipalities just say "No" rather than write a reasonable ordinance that would detail what is required to establish and maintain a garden.  If you're thinking about establishing a community garden, talk first with your local zoning staff to find out what is required.

Many municipalities are getting in the act, planting gardens in their green spaces.  Some take it to a higher level, planting not only to make the food available for eating but also using the plants as landscaping in flower beds and planters around the city.

Growing a garden is a lot of work for a single homeowner or family.  But coming together with neighbors to work a garden, and sharing information and the food grown, brings neighbors together, gives great satisfaction to those involved and even to those who are living nearby a community garden.

Not much is more beautiful than a well tended garden planted with a variety of food that feeds the eyes, the stomach and the soul.