Eating Better With MyPlate - Government's New Food Guidelines

The USDA has replaced the familiar food pyramid with with a plate at a website called MYPlate.

MyPlate is part of a larger communications initiative based on 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans to help consumers make better food choices.

MyPlate is designed to remind Americans to eat healthfully; it is not intended to change consumer behavior alone.

MyPlate illustrates the five food groups using a familiar mealtime visual, a place setting.

The ChooseMyPlate.gov website features practical information and tips to help Americans build healthier diets. It features selected messages to help consumer focus on key behaviors.

Selected messages include:

o Enjoy your food, but eat less.
o Avoid oversized portions.
o Make half your plate fruits and vegetables.
o Switch to fat-free or low-fat (1%) milk.
o Make at least half your grains whole grains.
o Compare sodium in foods like soup, bread, and frozen meals—and choose
foods with lower numbers.
o Drink water instead of sugary drinks.