Plate icon to guide Americans to healthier eating

               

Traditionally, Americans have learned that in order to eat healthy, they must follow the Food Pyramid. A new icon has erupted into American lifestyle. The new plate icon is a more simple structure that urges the consumption of more plant-based foods. Now, half of one's plate should involve fruits and vegetables, while the other half contains whole grains and lean protein. Low-fat dairy should be eaten on the side. This new icon, MyPlate, is designed to be embedded in the American mind and be a visual representation that can be recalled easily to compare their meals. The new icon is consistent with the USDA's recent release of dietary guidelines, but puts more emphasis and consuming carbohydrates from fruits and vegetables, rather than starches and pasta. the MyPlate icon is hopefully going to decrease the amount of obese people currently living in the United States and make dining healthy easier.

http://www.cnn.com/2011/HEALTH/06/02/usda.new.food.plate/index.html