MyPlate Aims for Simple, Healthy Food Choices

Figuring out what to serve for dinner – and how much – just got a lot easier thanks to federal government officials and First Lady Michelle Obama.

They unveiled this week the government’s new food icon, MyPlate, to help Americans make healthier food choices.

It comes at a critical time. About two-thirds of the adult American population is either overweight or obese, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Additionally, childhood obesity figures are rapidly increasing, putting children at risk for diabetes at a younger age than ever before.

The goal of MyPlate is to make sure people understand the different types and quantities of food – fruits, grains, vegetables, protein and dairy products – they should be eating in relationship to each other. “When mom or dad comes home from a long day of work, we’re already asked to be a chef, a referee, a cleaning crew. So it’s tough to be a nutritionist, too,” Obama said in a news release.

“But we do have time to take a look at our kids’ plates,” she said. “As long as they’re half full of fruits and vegetables, and paired with lean proteins, whole grains and low-fat dairy, we’re golden. That’s how easy it is.”

One thing that’s not on the plate is dessert. That’s why many people choose fruit.

Earlier this year, the U.S. Department of Agriculture released new dietary guidelines. Some of the key recommendations include:

• Balance Calories – Enjoy food but eat less. Avoid oversized portions.
• Foods to Increase – Make half your plate fruits and vegetables. Switch to fat-free or low-fat milk. Make at least half your grains, whole grains.
• Foods to Reduce – Compare the amount of sodium in foods like soup, bread and frozen meals. Choose those with lower numbers. Drink water instead of drinks that have sugar.

Sources: www.choosemyplate.gov, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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