Pick of the Day: What’s on MyPlate (DVD)

What’s on MyPlate. DVD. 22 min. with tchr’s. guide online. Learning ZoneXpress. 2012. ISBN unavail. $79.95.
Gr 6 Up–Using the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) MyPlate dietary guidelines, this fact-packed program explains that a healthy diet can be achieved by incorporating sensible choices from the five food groups (fruits, vegetables, grains, proteins and dairy) and emphasizes the importance of a varied diet with appropriate portions of each food group. A female narrator guides viewers through chapters as Melissa Halas-Liang, a registered dietitian, explains using the MyPlate concept to develop daily healthy eating. Emphasis is placed on limiting the amounts of fats, sugars, and sodium consumed and their effects on health and diet is explained. Interspersed throughout the discussion of the five basic food groups, age-appropriate students share their favorite food choices. Chapter, which can be viewed individually, cover grains, vegetables, fruits, protein, dairy, fats, sugar, and sodium. Visuals consist of live-action footage, charts, and still pictures. Upbeat music provides a contemporary beat, which will appeal to young adult audiences. Viewers are encouraged to visit the ChooseMyPlate.gov website to learn more about dietary needs and ways to build meals that include nutritious choices from all food groups. This program provides excellent coverage of the topic, making it a necessity for middle and secondary school libraries.–Linda M. Teel, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC