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The New American Plate

Tracey Cousineau, LSW-C, Outreach Manager

04/19/2007

Studies report nearly two-thirds of the adults in this country are overweight. Almost one-third of these adults are classified as obese and at special health risk. This problem continues to grow even though as many as 22 percent of American men and 32 percent of American women are on a diet at any given time. Research tells us that what we eat and how we live has a lot to do with our risk of developing cancer, as well as heart disease, type 2 diabetes and many other chronic health problems.

What's new about the New American Plate?  It's not a short-term "diet" designed for weight loss, but is instead an approach to eating for better health. The New American Plate is based on recommendations from a research report, Food, Nutrition and the Prevention of Cancer: a global perspective, published by the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR). Estimates from this report show 30 to 40 percent of all cancers could be prevented through changing the way we eat and exercise.

Portion sizes in America have gradually grown too large. How many standard servings go into the portion you regularly eat? You can use USDA standard serving sizes to measure what a standard serving is supposed to look on your plate because often the serving sizes listed on "Nutrition Facts" food labels are the same as the standard serving sizes.  Fill a measuring cup or spoon with that amount and empty the food onto a clean plate. Now take a good look. You’ll know exactly how many servings of certain foods you've been eating and can consider whether your portion sizes have grown too large. Aim for meals made up of 2/3 (or more) vegetables, fruits whole grains or beans and 1/3 (or less) meat. This knowledge can help you make important changes for health.

The New American Plate emphasizes foods that can significantly reduce our risk for disease. It also shows us how to enjoy all foods in sensible portions. It promotes healthy weight as just one part of an overall healthy lifestyle. AICR also recommends one hour a day of brisk physical activity and one hour a week of more vigorous exercise for reducing cancer risk.  If you would like to learn more about the New American Plate you can visit the American Cancer Society’s web page at http://www.aicr.org, or attend the free Healthy Habits meetings at Health Access Network (HAN) at 11:00 a.m. on Mondays in Lincoln, or Thursdays in Millinocket.  For more information about HAN or Healthy Habits, contact Tracey at 794-6700, or toll free at 1-888-426-4584.