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USDA My plate vs. Integrative Nutrition Plate

Happy New Year! I would like to discuss The USDA MyPlate in comparison to the Integrative Nutrition Plate. You can find the USDA MyPlate at choosemyplate.gov* but I would really like to focus on the Integrative Nutrition Plate. We all know about MyPlate which addresses filling your plate with a portion of grains, protein, fruits, vegetables, and dairy. This plate only focuses on the food that we eat. The distinction between MyPlate and the Integrative Nutrition Plate is monumental. The Integrative Nutrition Plate includes the same components of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and protein. It excludes dairy with the inclusion of water, fats, and oils. More importantly, the plate is surrounded by other key health components that we consume not on our plate but in our everyday lives. They include relationships, physical activity, career, and spirituality. All of which are just as important for our health as the food that we put in our mouth. These components are referred to as primary foods. Secondary foods encompass the physical food that we eat. The distinction is profound between these two plates because our health encompasses much more than just food and exercise as we know it. As someone once said, you can drink all the water and eat all the kale but if you don’t have balance and peace within your mind and heart, you will never be able to reach your optimal wellness. So, I challenge you in this new year to identify components within the integrative nutrition health plate that may be a challenge whether it’s primary or secondary food and identify one small step that you can make to create a healthier and happier you. As always, please shoot me a message should you feel you need support in your pursuit for a healthier version of you in 2021.

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*choosemyplate.gov

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