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MyPlate

This information is a tad overdue, but here it is. The the Obama administration replaced the food pyramid, the government's standard for healthful eating for two decades, with with a new icon, a plate half filled with fruits and vegetables, the other half with grains and protein, with a smaller plate representing dairy.

The change was prompted by Michelle Obama's, “Let's Move“ initiative, to counteract the nation's growing obesity problem. She said, “ "Parents don't have the time to measure out exactly 3 ounces of chicken or look up how much rice or broccoli is in a serving. That has confounded me as a parent for a very long time. But we do have time to look at our kids plates. As long as they're eating proper portions, as long as half of their meal is fruits and vegetables alongside their lean proteins, whole grains and low-fat dairy, then we're good.”

The hope is that MyPlate will help consumers easily provide the family with nutritious meals. Instead of trying to decipher food labels, harried shoppers can stick to the basics by dedicating half the plate to produce; a quarter to protein, including meat, poultry, seafood, eggs, soy and beans; and a quarter to grains such as rice, bread and cereal.

Surgeon General Regina Benjamin said that their mission is to improve the health and well-being of every American, with clear and simple information based on science. Do check out:
More Information on MyPlate, including, recipes and a 2000 calorie diet suggestions list.

Images of MYPlate

Coloring Sheet of MyPlate for children

Learn About Childhood Obesity

Secretary Vilsacks's Video About MyPlate