ChooseMyPlate

Image courtesy of the USDA.

Recently the USDA introduced a new campaign and food icon, ChooseMyPlate, aimed at helping remind American’s to eat healthy. MyPlate is part of a larger communications initiative based on 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans to help consumers make better food choices.

The new icon is a departure from the traditional food Pyramid that we are all so used to seeing. MyPlate illustrates the 5 food groups using a familiar mealtime visual, a place setting. This visual is aimed at featuring selected messages that help consumers focus on key behaviors.

We encourage you to take a look at each of the three areas below. What steps can you start taking to help improve your family’s plate starting today?

Balancing Calories

• Enjoy your food, but eat less.
• Avoid oversized portions.

Foods to Increase

• Make half your plate fruits and vegetables.
• Switch to fat-free or low-fat (1%) milk.
• Make at least half your grains whole grains.

Foods to Reduce

• Compare sodium in foods like soup, bread, and frozen meals—and choose foods with lower numbers.
• Drink water instead of sugary drinks.

For more information, interactive tools, and “how-to” materials on healthy eating, check out www.ChooseMyPlate.gov.

Many of the messages above fit right in line with BLEND’s Prescription for healthy Living: 5-2-1-0 each day

5: Or more fruits and vegetables

2: Or less hours of screen time

1: At least 1 hour of physical activity

0: calories from sugar sweetened beverages

Learn more about our 5-2-1-0 program here…

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