"The USDA and Obama administration have teamed up to give a new look to the food pyramid. This recently released educational tool, which is in the form of a plate, has been created as an easier to understand and apply model than the various forms of food pyramids that have been used for about two decades.
The design of the plate makes the nutrition message easy to understand for all ages — children through adults — and various cultures and ethnic groups. Even without exact measuring, we get the message as to what our meals should include and in what proportion — at least half the plate fruits and vegetables, a quarter of the plate from the protein group, and the remaining quarter of the plate from grains (preferably whole grains). Next to the plate is a serving of dairy (which can be a dairy product or fortified soy milk).
Besides being aware of the image of the plate, it is important for Americans to read about the more specific guidelines that come along with the image — the image is just the tip of the iceberg. Similar to the previously released food pyramid, a lot of nutrition information and interactive tools are available online (www.choosemyplate.gov). The site gives a summary of the key recommendations that coincide with the revised 'Dietary Guidelines for Americans' released several months ago."
