USDA Replaces Food Pyramid to Healthy Eating with MyPlate

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has launched a new food icon
aimed at helping consumers make healthier food choices. By replacing the
pyramid guide to healthy eating with a plate divided into fruit, vegetable,
grains, protein, and dairy food groups, USDA reportedly hopes the MyPlate
icon will “prompt consumers to think about building a healthy plate at meal
times.”

New York University Professor Marion Nestle was among those who praised
the icon as an easy-to-understand nutrition guide. “The new plate icon
makes it clear that healthy eating means lots of vegetables, fruits, and whole
grains, and for that alone it is a big step forward,” she said. “You don’t need
a computer to use it. It lets you fill your plate with whatever foods you like
without worrying about portion numbers. Best of all are the messages that
come with it. Enjoy your food!” See USDA Press Release, June 2, 2011.