Myplate Research Paper

MyPlate is a dietary recommendation implemented by the US department of agriculture in 2011. It aims to educate us on what a healthy diet should be, but oddly, water isn’t included in that diet. Parents everywhere obviously know that their kids need to drink enough water, but are they aware of how much that should be? It is essential that parents understand the recommended water consumption for the sake of their children. The Harvard Healthy eating plate encourages consumers to drink water, since it’s naturally calorie free, or to dry coffee and tea, which are also great calorie-free alternatives (Harvard). Myplate doesn’t even include water. Parents should know that both of these recommendations are lacking proper hydration information. The harvard article says to drink water only because it is calorie free but not for hydration. Water isn’t just a healthy alternative to sugary drinks, it is an essential part of our everyday intake. …show more content…
Water cushions and lubricates joints; nourishes and protects the brain, spinal cord and other tissues; keeps the body's temperature normal; and helps remove waste through perspiration, bowel movements and urination (Healthy Eating). When you don’t get enough water, it makes it more difficult for your body to do these things. In extreme cases, water deprivation leads to death. It is recommended that the average adult drinks 8 glasses of water every day or about 2 liters or more if you plan to exercise or be out in hot weather. The best way to figure if you are taking in enough water is to look at the color of your urine. If it is completely clear or close to it, you are sufficiently hydrated, if it is a darker yellow or amber color, you need to drink more