BeFIT Resources

Healthy Family Resource

Sometimes it can be hard to quickly and easily find accurate information that you can share with your kids about health, their bodies, eating well and exercising. However, many reputable organizations offer free health, nutrition and fitness information to parents and kids. Here’s a great website that everyone in the family can enjoy: www.ChooseMyPlate.gov

This website, from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), features information about the “My Plate” icon, which replaced the former food guide pyramid in 2011. The Plate illustrates five food groups using a familiar mealtime place setting to serve as a visual reminder to eat healthfully at every meal. The website features information and tips aimed to help Americans build healthier diets by implementing the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

For Kids: A child-friendly section of the site offers fun games and printable posters, coloring pages and worksheets to help the younger set learn what it means to eat healthier. These are all excellent ways to engage children to learn helpful nutrition lessons while having fun.

For Parents: Find out how to build a healthy plate for your specific nutrient needs using the five food groups. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, there is information to help you meet your specialized needs as well. Are you trying to find that right balance between “energy in” and “energy out” to reach your healthiest weight? You can take advantage of customizing your plate through interactive tools.