USDA Unveils MyPlate

On June 2, 2011 the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) replaced the MyPyramid food guidance system with MyPlate in order to better communicate the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. MyPlate's design illustrates the five food groups by using a familiar and welcoming mealtime visual, a place setting, to remind Americans to eat healthfully and make better food choices. It not only offers a variety of resources for education on maintaining a healthy diet, but also provides tools, such as recipes and sample menus, to provide further help to consumers.

MyPlate stresses the importance of not just counting calories, but making the right choices to promote a healthy lifestyle. They offer these various tips in order for you to "Eat for the Health of It!"

1. Build a healthy plate. Think about what is being put on the plate. Focus on making half of the plate fruits and vegetables, vary protein choices, and make half of your grains whole.
2. Cut back on foods high in solid fats, added sugars, and salt. Choose foods and drinks with little or no sugar added and look out for salt (sodium) levels in foods you buy. Avoid eating foods that are high in solid fats.
3. Eat the right amount of calories for you. Enjoy your food, but eat less. When eating out, choose lower calorie menu options that contain servings of fruits and vegetables. Cook your food at home to control what goes in your food and keep track of what you eat daily.
4. Be physically active your way. Pick activities that you enjoy and start by doing what you can for at least 10 minutes. The more time you spend being active, the greater the health benefits.

Focusing on improving your diet and exercise regiment will help you reduce your risk of diabetes, heart disease, some cancers, and obesity. In order to maintain a healthy lifestyle, you must take a moment to think about what goes on your plate. To learn more, visit www.ChooseMyPlate.gov

Source: http://www.choosemyplate.gov/downloads/MyPlate/DG2010Brochure.pdf