Power to Prevent - National Diabetes Education Program - National ...

Example of better
“I statement”
Sample accusatory statement
I would prefer broiled fsh. You should offer broiled fsh, not just fried fsh.
Oh, I asked for the dressing on the side. Would you please
bring me a new salad with the dressing on the side?
I prefer more healthful menu choices. What vegetable
options do you have to substitute for the fries?
You put the dressing on the salad.
Fries come with everything. This restaurant is terrible for
people trying to eat healthily.
Say: “Now, let’s move to buffets and receptions. What are some ways to make healthy choices in these
situations?”
If the group is slow in coming up with ideas, say:
“I’ll kick off the discussion by highlighting preparation methods. You can start making the healthier
choice here. For example:
Creamed, fried, and sautéed foods are often prepared using butter, shortening, and sauces that are high
in fat and calories. Try to avoid those.
Baked, steamed, grilled, and broiled preparation methods cut fat and calories. Foods can be covered
and cooked in their own juices without adding butter or oil, and lemon and pepper as favoring can be
used for grilling instead of oil-based marinades and white creamy sauces.
Now let’s hear from you
Write responses on the fipchart. Other ideas may include:
Filling your plate from the salad and vegetable table frst
Trying “just a taste” portions from tempting items that you know are high in fat and calories
Cutting a portion in two, leaving one-half behind at the buffet table
Skipping the dessert table. If you wouldn’t eat that high calorie dessert at home, why do you need
it here?
Not cleaning your plate to be polite. If you are full, stop eating, and let the waitperson remove
your plate so that you are not tempted to keep nibbling.
When the group members have fnished listing their ideas, hand out Appendix U: Solving the
Problem of Buffets and Receptions (one per participant), and say,
“You came up with some great ideas, and here are some others.”
Activity
Take a 5- to 0-minute break for physical activity (e.g., walk around the building, down
the hall and back, or in a circle in the room). Try to move to music, if available.
NDEP Power to Prevent Session 9 4