But many Americans haven''t gotten the message. In the same survey, only one percent of the respondents could answer questions about serving sizes correctly. Today, more Americans than ever 55 percent, according to the National Institutes of Health are clinically overweight. Very simply, it advises people to focus on proportion and portion size when making meals at home or ordering out at restaurants. Research has shown that fruits and vegetables have a protective effect against cancer because of the phytochemicals they contain.
Phytochemicals interfere with cancer cell growth and reproduction.
The New American Plate is almost a reversal of the Old American Plate, which typically featured 8 to 10 ounces of steak with buttery mashed potatoes and peas. People are urged to think of meat as a side dish or condiment rather than the primary ingredient. Americans have done better at reducing fat in their diets, but Polk says there s a wrinkle. That wasn t supposed to happen, but because they are eating more of these products, they are getting more calories. Foreigners coming to this country express amazement at the amounts of food heaped on American plates.