2023-05-11 09:03:40
The new episode of the podcast “Sustainable Food” talks about the Nutriplate method and its benefits to improve the nutrition of children and adults in a fun way.
Distribution of food in the Nutriplate. Image obtained from the website of the Nutriplate program developed by Nestlé and the San Joan de Déu Hospital.
What is the Nutriplate method? How does it help families? Dámaris Martínez and Mireia Termes, dietitians and nutritionists Sant Joan de Déu Hospital and part of the Nutriplato program team, respond to these and other questions about sustainable and healthy eating for children.
The Hospital Sant Joan de Déu in Barcelona is a pediatric hospital with great initiatives and projects. One of them is the Nutriplate program, a practical and fun tool so that children and families eat much better.
What is the Nutriplate method?
With the objective of encourage healthy eating Based on the Mediterranean diet, the Nutriplato program was born in 2017 as a collaboration between Nestlé Spain and the Hospital Sant Joan de Déu.
The program, which is originally intended for boys and girls between the ages of 3 and 12, is applicable to all ages and to all family members.
The Nutriplate method focuses on indicate the appropriate proportions for each of the different food groups They should be part of the main meals of the day.
This formula divides the plate into three portions for each food group, which makes it easy and fun for children to learn what foods to eat and in what quantity.
What objectives does the Nutriplate method pursue?
“The main objective is to encourage good habits in the little ones; For this reason, it is essential that fathers, mothers and guardians set an example by taking care of their diet and following the Nutriplate scheme”, says Mireia Termes.
In addition, Dámaris Martínez indicates that another of the objectives of the project is encourage consumption especially of fruits, legumes, nuts and fish, since these are usually the foods that cost the most to introduce into the diets of the little ones.
Also, the method is intended find out if it is possible to curb obesity and overweight by changing the eating habits of children and families.
Where does this program come from?
As the experts comment on the podcast, Nutriplato is based on the concept of healthy plate or Harvard plate, but it has certain differences with respect to it. Nutriplato is much more adapted to the Mediterranean diet, promoting the consumption of olive and fruit oil as dessert.
How can I buy the nutriplate?
All those families who want to participate in the Nutriplato program can request it through their website and they will receive a royal dish divided in three sections so that children can have fun preparing meals inside.
The Nutriplate program contains a guide that accompanies you. In it the Nutriplate is explained in more detail, indicating the frequency and adequate portions of consumption of each food. In addition, it includes numerous healthy and fun recipes
How many meals should we have a day?
Both nutritionists tell us that the number of meals that must be made in the day it cannot be established equally in all individuals and during all days.
The experts recommend us to distribute the energy and nutrients in different foods throughout the day to adequately respond to daily demands. In the case of boys and girls who expend more energy throughout the day is recommended eat five meals a day.
There will be cases where the number of meals eaten in the day they can be modified and require an extra energy report such as a second snack or a dinner. The important is meet energy requirements in one way coherent, practical and balanced.
How to maintain a healthy diet with children during the weekend?
The vegetable portion must be present at lunch and dinner. Nutritionists propose alternatives such as homemade pizzas and empanadas, healthy sandwiches with vegetables or with cheese and potatoes with olive oil.
The Nutriplate method in action
He San Juan de Déu Hospital, launched in September 2017 the Eating Habits Improvement Program for children from 3 to 12 years based on the Nutriplate method. Since then, the experts claim to have received more than 1,000 participants.
The program, which will remain active until the middle of the year, consists of a nutritional diet intervention based on the Nutriplate material (plate and guide).
Within the framework of this program expert dietitians and nutritionists perform of 3 to 5 face-to-face visits children for at least twelve months.
Solutions to the challenges posed by the future of sustainable food
Dámaris Martínez and Mireia Termes confirm that the most difficult challenges in sustainable and healthy eating arise from the frenetic pace of society. the daily rush they limit the time a lot for cooking and therefore, for the preparation of lunches and dinners.
The meal planning through a menu and a shopping list are essential to put into practice those aspects that define the Mediterranean diet.
Besides, eating with family is interesting so that the little ones find food references in their environment.
#eat #healthy #fast #fun