Students a mixed bag on nutrition

 
Southern University faculty and students differed on their opinion of the replacement of the Food Pyramid with the Choose My plate initiative by the federal government. According to the Choose My Plate website this initiative began in 2010 by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
The Choose My Plate initiative focuses on splitting plates into four sections, which contain equal servings of fruits, vegetables, grain, protein, and a dairy beverage.
Edith Harris, professor human nutrition thought of the switch as unnecessary.
“I think its just another icon in an attempt to simplify food selection,” Harris said. Harris told of the food pyramid as still good and valid.
Kayla Chenevert, sophomore biology major from Opelousas, La. agreed with Harris in opinion.
“Its not enough and very simple,” Chenevert said. She was not pleased with the ‘my plate’ initiative.
Even though some faculty and students didn’t like the new government initiative, Airen Austin, a sophomore Speech pathology major from Houma, La. thought differently.
“Sure, it’s a great switch,” Austin said.
Although Harris disagreed with the my plate initiative she does follow some of the diet plan listed in the dietary guidelines for Americans.
“The Dietary guidelines for Americans emphasize fruits, vegetables whole grains, and less red meat,” Harris said.
She spoke of the importance of looking at food labels, and how the amount of meat a person eats in one day should fit in the palm of your hand.
The food labels on for food products usually contain the DRI meaning the Daily Recommended Intake.
Allen Taylor, a senior criminal justice major from Alexandria, La. informed of his diet that he follows.
“I stay away from fast food, and eat more protein fruit, carbohydrates and vegetables,” Taylor said.
Chenvert shared her diet as well.
“I try to eat foods without many calories because its about how much you burn,” Chenevert said.
Austin mentioned her diet plan as not being as strict.
“I don’t follow a specific diet, but I try to stay away from fast food,” Austin said.
Harris viewed the campus cafeteria food as healthy if they follow the food guide pyramid.
“As long as they follow the food guide pyramid it should be healthy,” said Harris.
Chenevert discussed the cafeteria health food as being not mainly present.
“Only if we choose because they don’t put it out to serve it,” Chenevert said.
Austin believed the cafeteria food on campus is not healthy.
“No, its very greasy and fatty,” Austin said.
Taylor described the campus dining as overly priced for the product served.
“They can do better since we are paying $1,500 for on campus dining,” Taylor said.
He said some days they seem to put anything together to serve students.
For information on the Choose My Plate initiative students can visit their website at www.ChooseMyPlate.gov. If persons would like to visit the official dietary guidelines for America they can visit their website www.DietaryGuidelines.gov.