Demarcus’s favorite food is spaghetti with tomato sauce, and he eats a big plate of it whenever he gets that chance. He has just learned more about nutrition and wants to use the MyPlate guidelines. How could he make sure his favorite meal is in line with these guidelines?
Demarcus can make sure his spaghetti with tomato sauce is in line with the MyPlate guidelines by:
1. Adding vegetables: Demarcus can add chopped vegetables like bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and zucchini to his tomato sauce. This will increase the number of servings of vegetables he is getting from his meal.
2. Choosing whole-grain pasta: Instead of white pasta, Demarcus can choose whole-grain pasta to increase the amount of fiber in his meal. He can also check the serving size on the pasta package to ensure he is getting the recommended amount of grains for his age and sex.
3. Adding lean protein: To make sure he is getting enough protein in his meal, Demarcus can add lean protein sources like ground turkey, grilled chicken, or shrimp to his spaghetti and tomato sauce.
4. Limiting portion size: Demarcus can use a smaller plate and measure his portions to make sure he is not overeating. He can also save the leftovers for another meal.
By following these guidelines, Demarcus can enjoy his favorite meal while still meeting MyPlate recommendations for a healthy and balanced diet.
He could add meat and seasonings to the sauce.
he could eat this meal twice a week
He could make sure that the plate is mostly pasta
he could eat less pasta and add fruits and vegtables
While adding meat and seasonings to the sauce and eating this meal a couple of times a week could be enjoyable for Demarcus, it is important to ensure that the meal is balanced and meets MyPlate guidelines for a healthy diet.
Rather than ensuring the plate is mostly pasta, Demarcus should aim to fill half of his plate with fruits and vegetables to increase the intake of essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
Similarly, instead of eating less pasta, Demarcus can choose to eat smaller portion sizes and increase the amount of vegetables in his meal.
Overall, Demarcus can make his spaghetti with tomato sauce more nutritious and balanced by including a variety of food groups, measuring his portions, and being mindful of his overall diet.
To ensure that Demarcus's favorite meal, spaghetti with tomato sauce, aligns with the MyPlate guidelines, he can make a few simple modifications to create a well-balanced meal. The MyPlate guidelines are designed to promote a healthy and balanced diet by focusing on five food groups: fruits, vegetables, grains, protein, and dairy. Here's how Demarcus can make his spaghetti meal in line with these guidelines:
1. Include Vegetables: Demarcus can incorporate vegetables into his spaghetti by adding veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini to his tomato sauce. These additions not only enhance the nutritional value but also add flavor and texture to the dish.
2. Choose Whole Grain Pasta: Instead of using regular pasta, Demarcus can opt for whole grain pasta. Whole grain pasta contains more fiber, vitamins, and minerals compared to refined pasta, making it a healthier choice.
3. Add Protein: To include protein in his meal, Demarcus can add lean sources such as ground turkey, chicken, or turkey meatballs to his spaghetti. Another option is to top the dish with grilled chicken or shrimp for added protein content.
4. Include a Side of Salad or Steamed Vegetables: To balance the meal further, Demarcus can serve a side of salad or steamed vegetables alongside his spaghetti. These options will boost the vegetable intake and provide additional nutrients.
5. Enjoy Fruit for Dessert: To complete the meal, Demarcus can finish with a serving of fresh fruit for dessert. This adds a serving from the fruit food group and provides natural sweetness to satisfy his sweet tooth.
By following these steps, Demarcus can modify his favorite spaghetti meal to meet the MyPlate guidelines and ensure a well-rounded and nutritious meal.