A Smaller Plate Is A Healthier Plate
January, 18, 2012, 09:26 AM Author:Melinda Krautmann MS BSN RN
Last week, Bethel offered dishes to anyone who needed them, because of the generous donation of dishes to us from Emmanuel Baptist Church of Kansas City, KS several weeks ago.
After last Wednesday's Arthritis Exercise class, one of the seniors remarked how small the plates were in comparison to the plates we use nowadays. Another person mentioned how great it was that the plates all matched, and none of them had even a chip. Someone added that these were heavy duty china dishes used by cafeterias, restaurants, and churches, and they probably dated back to the 1960's or maybe earlier!
Interestingly, the Bethel seniors are also on a quest to keep their weight in a healthy range, engage in more physical activity each day, and choose healthier portions sizes. As part of our Tuesday morning Healthy Community discussions, I asked them to remember how people were thinner back in the days when people ate on smaller plates. I also asked them to think about how a meal appears to you when it's served on a smaller plate vs. a larger plate. We had discussed the "Healthy Plate Method" in several previous health presentations, and now the group members were being offered the chance to update their kitchen with dishes to fit their new healthier lifestyle.
One group participant mentioned today that in her diabetes class, she learned it was advisable not just for people with diabetes. She explained that the portion size of food would appear to be plenty rather than not enough. 'That way, you're not tempted to eat more than your recommended portion, " she offered. And then someone else mentioned, she would feel embarrassed to go for 'seconds' if it already appeared that she'd eaten enough by the looks of her own plate filled with food.
So,in closing, let me say that there are so many ways to help yourself stay on track with your health goals for 2012. One way is to plan what you'll eat ahead of mealtimes, when you're not starving hungry and want to devour everything in the cabinet. Use the Healthy Plate Method. Another way is to make changes in your environment. For example, eat on a smaller plate, surround yourself with like-minded people on the same quest as you.
These caring people are here at Bethel Neighborhood Center. We'll support you in your healthy lifestyle! You are not alone when you're part of our community! PLEASE JOIN US, 9:30 a.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. And here's a hearty and healthy 'Thank You' to Emmanuel Baptist Church of Kansas City, KS for donating the "Healthy Plates!"
After last Wednesday's Arthritis Exercise class, one of the seniors remarked how small the plates were in comparison to the plates we use nowadays. Another person mentioned how great it was that the plates all matched, and none of them had even a chip. Someone added that these were heavy duty china dishes used by cafeterias, restaurants, and churches, and they probably dated back to the 1960's or maybe earlier!
One group participant mentioned today that in her diabetes class, she learned it was advisable not just for people with diabetes. She explained that the portion size of food would appear to be plenty rather than not enough. 'That way, you're not tempted to eat more than your recommended portion, " she offered. And then someone else mentioned, she would feel embarrassed to go for 'seconds' if it already appeared that she'd eaten enough by the looks of her own plate filled with food.
So,in closing, let me say that there are so many ways to help yourself stay on track with your health goals for 2012. One way is to plan what you'll eat ahead of mealtimes, when you're not starving hungry and want to devour everything in the cabinet. Use the Healthy Plate Method. Another way is to make changes in your environment. For example, eat on a smaller plate, surround yourself with like-minded people on the same quest as you.
These caring people are here at Bethel Neighborhood Center. We'll support you in your healthy lifestyle! You are not alone when you're part of our community! PLEASE JOIN US, 9:30 a.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. And here's a hearty and healthy 'Thank You' to Emmanuel Baptist Church of Kansas City, KS for donating the "Healthy Plates!"