Jim is considering making healthy changes to his diet. Which of the following statements best align with the MyPlate food guidance system?

• A. Jim should consider eating more cream cheese to meet his dairy needs.
• B. Instead of drinking alcohol, he should consider drinking a couple of cans of soda.
• C. He should eat fish every day to meet his protein needs.
• D. When Jim is stressed, it’s okay for him to eat fried foods.
• E. He could consider substituting butter with mashed avocadoes to limit his saturated fat intake.

Answer: (E)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the MyPlate food guidance system: MyPlate emphasizes a balanced diet with a focus on fruits, vegetables, grains, protein, and dairy, while limiting saturated fats, added sugars, and sodium.
2. Evaluate the first statement: Cream cheese is high in saturated fat and does not align with MyPlate's recommendation for healthy dairy choices, which include low-fat or fat-free options like milk, yogurt, or cheese.
3. Evaluate the second statement: Replacing alcohol with soda does not align with MyPlate's guidance, as soda is high in added sugars, which should be limited in a healthy diet.
4. Evaluate the third statement: Eating fish every day may not be necessary or practical. MyPlate recommends a variety of protein sources, including lean meats, poultry, seafood, beans, and nuts, rather than focusing on one type of protein daily.
5. Evaluate the correct answer: Substituting butter with mashed avocados aligns with MyPlate's guidance to limit saturated fats and choose healthier fat sources, such as those found in avocados, nuts, and seeds.