It’s here! The pyramid is history. Look at the new icon for healthy eating, ‘My Plate,’ and make your plate look like the new symbol. Introduced today, June 2, 2011, several dietitians report the new symbol as reminiscent of the old 
Basic 4. For the younger generation, that model preceded the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and the pyramid.
‘My Plate’ promises to be user-friendly. It’s simple, straight forward, and easily interpreted. Its website, www.choosemyplate.com, provides reliable links to other related sites and reiterates the message of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2010. Those points incorporate the following:
- Balancing Calories. Enjoy your food, but eat less. That means watching portion size.
- Foods to Increase. Increase nutrient-dense foods by filling half your plate with vegetables and fruits and at least half of the grains (breads, cereal, pasta) from whole grain sources. A switch from whole milk to low-fat milk will reduce fat and calories.
- Foods to Reduce. Reduce dietary salt by checking labels, especially of soups and frozen meals. Drink water instead of sugary drinks to avoid increased sugar and calories.
For more details, check out the website and try using the new icon to improve choices and portion sizes on your plate.
June 3, 2011
