Hi Phoenix
In the UK we tend to use the plate. You are right that it can look like we need to eat as the plate suggests but it is really meant as a teaching tool. I use it when I am talking to groups - not everyone understands the concepts of carbs , protein etc so using the 5 food groups is a simple way of teaching. I also tend to use my own plate which I often end up drawing when working with patients - half the plate is veg abd a quarter each the protein and carbs!
The FSA did quite alot of validation work on that plate and found that generally if used in the right circumstances it is a useful tool . I think there is some info on their site somewhere - did read it all a few years ago. It doesnt address the question of portions tho and tbh that is difficult to just put in a pyramid or plate as there areo many different requirements.
I personally do not like the pyramids as they look top heavy.
Must be honest if you use it as a teaching tool and talk around the groups it is useful .
Be interested in your comments - i think what we all have to realise is that not everyone takes such an interest in food as many on this forum do!
In the UK we tend to use the plate. You are right that it can look like we need to eat as the plate suggests but it is really meant as a teaching tool. I use it when I am talking to groups - not everyone understands the concepts of carbs , protein etc so using the 5 food groups is a simple way of teaching. I also tend to use my own plate which I often end up drawing when working with patients - half the plate is veg abd a quarter each the protein and carbs!
The FSA did quite alot of validation work on that plate and found that generally if used in the right circumstances it is a useful tool . I think there is some info on their site somewhere - did read it all a few years ago. It doesnt address the question of portions tho and tbh that is difficult to just put in a pyramid or plate as there areo many different requirements.
I personally do not like the pyramids as they look top heavy.
Must be honest if you use it as a teaching tool and talk around the groups it is useful .
Be interested in your comments - i think what we all have to realise is that not everyone takes such an interest in food as many on this forum do!