MyPlate is designed to introduce an easy-to follow food guide icon for figuring out how to eat healthy. The colorful divided plate is a great tool to plan healthy meals. The USDA’s MyPlate method helps people consume a variety of foods. MyPlate recommends half the plate consists of vegetables and fruit, with the other half made up mostly of whole grains and a portion of lean protein. The higher fiber content of these foods will help you stay full longer. Including low fat dairy products as a part of a healthy diet is a good source of calcium.
MyPlate defines the five food groups as the basics for a healthy diet. Fruits, vegetables, grains, proteins and dairy are the framework for building a healthy daily intake. Different colors provide different benefits, so eat a variety!
The targeted message of MyPlate includes:
- Balance your calories
- Enjoy your food
- Avoid oversized portions
- Compare sodium on food labels
- Choose water instead of sugary drinks
Visit the ChooseMyPlate.gov website to learn more about MyPlate, weight management, physical activity and to use the super tracker to plan, analyze your diet and daily physical activity.
Source: ChooseMyPlate.gov
Written by: Beth Stefura, Extension Educator, Ohio State University Extension
Live Healthy Live Well 
When I was writing my blog that I published today I started by talking about how the USDA’s guidelines have changed since I was young. I found I could not present it in a logical way because the graphics have gotten more complex. LOL