Demarcus’s favorite food is spaghetti with tomato sauce, and he eats a big plate of it whenever he gets that chance. He has just learned more about nutrition and wants to use the MyPlate guidelines. How could he make sure his favorite meal is in line with these guidelines?

3 answers

Demarcus can make sure his spaghetti with tomato sauce is in line with the MyPlate guidelines by:

1. Adding vegetables: Demarcus can add chopped vegetables like bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and zucchini to his tomato sauce. This will increase the number of servings of vegetables he is getting from his meal.

2. Choosing whole-grain pasta: Instead of white pasta, Demarcus can choose whole-grain pasta to increase the amount of fiber in his meal. He can also check the serving size on the pasta package to ensure he is getting the recommended amount of grains for his age and sex.

3. Adding lean protein: To make sure he is getting enough protein in his meal, Demarcus can add lean protein sources like ground turkey, grilled chicken, or shrimp to his spaghetti and tomato sauce.

4. Limiting portion size: Demarcus can use a smaller plate and measure his portions to make sure he is not overeating. He can also save the leftovers for another meal.

By following these guidelines, Demarcus can enjoy his favorite meal while still meeting MyPlate recommendations for a healthy and balanced diet.
He could add meat and seasonings to the sauce.

he could eat this meal twice a week

He could make sure that the plate is mostly pasta

he could eat less pasta and add fruits and vegtables
While adding meat and seasonings to the sauce and eating this meal a couple of times a week could be enjoyable for Demarcus, it is important to ensure that the meal is balanced and meets MyPlate guidelines for a healthy diet.

Rather than ensuring the plate is mostly pasta, Demarcus should aim to fill half of his plate with fruits and vegetables to increase the intake of essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

Similarly, instead of eating less pasta, Demarcus can choose to eat smaller portion sizes and increase the amount of vegetables in his meal.

Overall, Demarcus can make his spaghetti with tomato sauce more nutritious and balanced by including a variety of food groups, measuring his portions, and being mindful of his overall diet.