About The SMILE Plate
The SMILE Plate and tray were developed by a team of registered nutritionists, school cooks, public health professionals, and the product design team at Middlesex University.
It is based on one important factor that prompts children to change their eating habits and eat a healthy balanced diet – knowing their food groups.
When we understand why something is good for us, we’re more likely to do it. This is based on the principle that we're far more likely to accept a change if we understand the reason for that change. And this applies to children as well as adults.
An easy way of familiarising children with the food groups was by exposing them to the groups every day using their school lunch tray and using the plate at home.
Sections are divided according to portion size guidelines for children (Caroline Walker Trust).
Research has shown that giving children ownership and more control over their nutrition choices result in healthier choices and more positive outcomes.
The SMILE Plate is split into 3 sections to include the major food groups:
½ for Protein & Starchy Carbohydrate:
We’ve put these two food groups together because so many of our dishes combine them, e.g. Spaghetti Bolognese, Shepherd’s Pie, Chickpea Curry and Rice.
¼ for Vegetables:
Get your child used to having a tasty vegetable dish with every main meal.
¼ for Salad:
Make the salad as colourful as possible – cherry tomatoes, cucumber and yellow peppers are just a few you can add.