Amanda Gerson Career Portfolio

The Eating Competence Model and MyPlate

NFSC 660: Nutrition Education

 Skill Area: Nutrition Education

Assignment Title: Midterm Writing Assignment

 What I learned: In this assignment I was able to thoroughly explore ChooseMyPlate.gov in order to evaluate the website components in relation to behavior learning theories. I became an expert of the website components and what tools Americans can access surrounding physical activity and eating recommendations. By reading the article by Ellen Satter, I learned that dietary recommendations have numerous components and tailoring dietary advice to the individual is central to changing dietary behavior.

 Reflection to assignment: This assignment made me think of how over the years the dietary guidelines and images have changed dramatically. There is so much to consider when applying the guidelines to practice, and for example more new-age models like The Eating Competence Model should definitely be considered. After being assigned to thoroughly examine ChooseMyPlate.gov I have come to realize how information and graphics is the most simplistic it has been over the years and there is an abundance of tools Americans can use to implement healthy lifestyles. The article by Ellyn Satter, made me realize that mindful eating is important to incorporate into nutrition education as a new technique for dietary change.

Relevance to the profession: Nutrition education is a central part of the dietetics profession. The analytical skills brought about through this assignment by way of critiquing different forms of nutrition messaging Americans receive is an important skill for not only dietitians to have. Further, The Eating Competence Model and MyPlate can be used in conjunction with each other in education efforts. The model allows individuals to learn how to enjoy food and pay attention to internal signals. MyPlate can be used to remind individuals to bulk up their plates with vegetables and fruits.