BREVARD COUNTY — The holiday season is a time for indulgence — plates piled high with festive treats, glasses raised in celebration, and a whirlwind of parties and gatherings. It’s a season of joy and togetherness, but it’s also one that often leaves us feeling sluggish and a little guilty by the time the New Year rolls around.
That’s why so many of us resolve to turn over a new leaf come Jan., setting goals to eat healthier, move more and embrace better habits. The good news? With the right resources and a few simple changes, those resolutions don’t have to feel like a chore—they can be the start of a sustainable, healthier lifestyle.
With countless opinions on what to eat and what to avoid, confusion can quickly arise. That’s where trusted resources like MyPlate and the American Diabetes Association’s Project Power step in to help.
Whether you’re feeding a family, planning meals, or simply striving to make healthier choices, MyPlate offers a simple, visual guide to building balanced meals.
Designed to replace the outdated Food Pyramid, MyPlate is a colorful plate divided into five sections: fruits, vegetables, grains, protein and dairy.
The goal is to encourage realistic portion sizes and healthier choices without the need for counting calories or following restrictive diets.
For example, half the plate should be filled with fruits and vegetables like apples, spinach or carrots. A quarter of the plate is for grains, such as whole-wheat bread or rice, while the remaining quarter is for protein, including chicken, beans or nuts. Dairy, such as milk or yogurt, is included as a smaller portion on the side.
What makes MyPlate especially accessible is the wide range of free resources available at MyPlate.gov. Visitors can create personalized nutrition plans based on their age, activity level and calorie needs, explore budget-friendly recipes and access practical meal-planning tips.
For families juggling busy schedules, these tools make it easier to incorporate healthier choices into daily routines without feeling overwhelmed.
Complementing MyPlate is Project Power, a groundbreaking initiative by the American Diabetes Association. With Type 2 diabetes on the rise, especially among children and young adults, Project Power equips families with tools to prevent diabetes and embrace healthier habits. The program not only raises awareness about diabetes but also provides tangible solutions for managing health and well-being.
The free resources offered by Project Power empower families to make informed decisions about nutrition, physical activity and diabetes prevention. Weekly Zoom meetings, interactive videos, and tools like portion control containers and macro-tracking apps guide participants in making sustainable lifestyle changes.
The focus is not just on knowledge, but also on action, helping families implement healthier habits step by step.
Marsha Stroud shared with Hometown News how participating in Project Power transformed her health journey. After registering, she received a free digital Bluetooth scale within a week, and after four weeks of participation, she was rewarded with a free smartwatch and a portion control container.
With the support of weekly online meetings and the ability to track her macros through the app, she became more active and shed the extra weight she had struggled to lose.
This story is just one example of how Project Power is making a difference in communities. By addressing the unique needs of underserved populations—including minority groups and economically disadvantaged families—the program ensures that vital health education reaches those who need it most.
For families at higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, Project Power’s comprehensive approach is a game changer. The program provides easy-to-follow guidance on portion sizes, meal preparation and physical activity, enabling participants to take control of their health.
Equally important is the program’s emphasis on community support. Project Power fosters a sense of connection among participants, offering a supportive environment where families can share experiences, celebrate progress and stay motivated.
The American Diabetes Association’s initiative highlights the importance of prevention in fighting one of the fastest-growing health challenges in the U.S. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) nearly 1 in 10 Americans has diabetes, and millions more are at risk. Programs like Project Power are essential in reversing this trend and promoting healthier futures.
When combined with resources like MyPlate, families can feel empowered to make better food choices, manage their health proactively, and pass these habits on to future generations. Together, these tools provide a roadmap to healthier living that is both practical and sustainable.
By creating personalized plans, offering free tools, and encouraging small but impactful changes, MyPlate and Project Power make it easier for families to adopt a healthier lifestyle.
Whether you’re just beginning your health journey or looking for new ways to improve, these resources offer accessible, actionable solutions for everyone.
As the saying goes, small steps lead to big changes. Whether it’s swapping out sugary drinks for water, incorporating more vegetables into meals, or taking a brisk walk after dinner, every positive choice adds up.
With the help of programs like MyPlate and Project Power, building a healthier future is not only achievable — it’s within reach.
For more information or to get started, visit MyPlate.gov and the American Diabetes Association’s Project Power page at diabetes.org/project-power.
