Remember the Food Guide Pyramid? It’s, like, so last year.
In its place, the government’s experts have given us MyPlate–which is basically what a lot of dietitians have been telling people for years: Fill half of your plate with fruit and vegetables and divide the other half between protein and grains.
But of course it’s a little more complicated than that, since you could fill your plate with French fries and a greasy burger on a white bun and still squeak by on a technicality.
Which is why MyPlate for Moms, How to Feed Yourself & Your Family Better is a great guide. Author Elizabeth Ward–rockstar dietitian and mom of three who has written a bunch of nutrition books and recently appeared on “The Dr. Oz Show”–shows you exactly how to build a healthy plate for you and kids.
She also includes more than 50 family-friendly recipes for dishes like Chocolate Chili, Tilapia Tacos, and DIY Ranch Dressing.
If you’d like a chance to win a free copy of MyPlate for Moms, “like” Real Mom Nutrition on Facebook (go here) AND leave a comment after this post telling me your favorite quick dinner that your kids also love. The giveaway will end Thursday at midnight.
Here’s a yummy recipe I recently tried from MyPlate for Moms:
Peanut Butter Noodles With Carrots & Broccoli
Ingredients
- 8 ounces whole-wheat spaghetti, uncooked (1/2 box)
- 1/2 pound cooked, shredded chicken (optional, you can also use cubed tofu)
- 3 T. canola or vegetable oil
- 1/3 cups creamy peanut butter, I used natural
- 3 T. low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 T. lime juice, about one lime
- 1 T. honey
- 2 T. rice wine vinegar
- 1 cup raw grated carrots
- 2 cups cooked chopped broccoli florets
- 1/4 to 1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes, optional, I didn't use them
- 2 scallions, sliced into thin rounds
Instructions
- While the pasta is cooking, combine the oil, peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, honey and vinegar in a large serving bowl. Using a whisk, mix until smooth.
- Add the spaghetti, carrots, broccoli and red pepper flakes (if using) and toss the coat the noodle mixture completely. Garnish with scallions and serve.
- Serve hot or cold.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 4 ServingsAmount Per Serving: Calories: 466Total Fat: 26gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 19gCholesterol: 43mgSodium: 582mgCarbohydrates: 38gFiber: 8gSugar: 9gProtein: 26g
Disclaimer: I was given a free copy of MyPlate for Moms by Elizabeth Ward, who is a friend of mine. She’s also super cool and you can find her and her helpful advice on Facebook here.