From Pyramid to Plate

Courtesy Choosemyplate.gov

You probably learned about the food pyramid back in elementary school. But did you know that First Lady Michelle Obama recently helped introduce the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s MyPlate icon to replace it? That’s right: Coinciding with the First Lady’s “Let’s Move!” campaign to end childhood obesity, the USDA has created an easier way to make sure you’re getting all the nutrients you need to keep your body performance-ready. Simply follow the icon: Fill half your plate with fruits and vegetables, about a quarter with grains and a quarter with protein, then add a small side of dairy. It’s that easy. Just make sure your plate isn’t super-sized!

Perfect Portions

Test your knowledge about how much you should really be eating.

1.    One serving of vegetables or fresh fruit is about the size of:

a)    a ping-pong ball

b)    a baseball

c)    a softball

2. One serving of fish is similar in size to:

a)    a credit card

b)    a passport

c)    a checkbook

3. One serving of dried fruit and nuts is comparable in size to:

a)    a large egg

b)    a lemon

c)    an avocado

4. One serving of ice cream is similar in size to:

a)    a golf ball

b)    a tennis ball

c)    a Wiffle ball

5. One serving of meat is about the size of:

a)    a box of matches

b)    a deck of cards

c)    a postcard

Quiz Answers: 1. b, 2. c, 3. a, 4. b, 5. b

 

Make portion control easier:

Never eat straight from the bag. Just pour a serving size of your favorite snack into a small bowl. You’ll eat less and feel satisfied—not sick.

Boyfriends & Ballet

Men who attend the ballet, museums and other cultural events lead healthier and happier lives, according to a new study published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health. If your man has been feeling upset or anxious lately, cheer him (and yourself!) up with tickets to see your favorite ballet company. It’s time for a date night at the theater.

Bright Eyes 

If you’ve been rehearsing late and waking up early, you’re probably sporting some unwanted bags under your eyes. For a quick remedy, place your eye moisturizer in the refrigerator overnight. The cool cream will reduce puffiness and act as a moisturizer, leaving you looking healthy and happy!