Wellness

Nutrition Tip: Eat Right With MyPlate

By @BarbaraMBaez · On March 20, 2014

myplate_white
By: Deborah Moss, RD, CDN

The classic MyPyramid food symbol was replaced with the MyPlate resource.

Many people criticized MyPyramid for being too vague and confusing to understand.  So in June 2011, the USDA replaced its unpopular MyPyramid with a new and simpler icon called MyPlate.

This food group symbol was created to help consumers adopt healthy eating habits consistent with the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans.  These guidelines focus on balancing calories with physical activity and encourage us to consume more healthy foods such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, fat-free and low-fat dairy products, etc.

MyPlate illustrates the five food groups that are the building blocks for a healthy diet using a familiar mealtime visual, a place setting.

Here are a few key elements towards building a healthy plate:

  • Make half your plate fruits and vegetables
  • Make a least half your grains whole grains
  • Switch to fat-free (skim) or low-fat (1%) milk
  • Vary your protein choices
  • Avoid oversized portions
  • Compare sodium in processed foods like soup, bread and frozen meals, and choose the foods with the lower amount per serving
  • Drink water in place of sugar drinks

The USDA’s MyPlate site is easy to navigate and offers a variety of tools you can personalize to help you stay on track.  This online tool can help you stay on track when it comes to making healthier food choices for yourself and your family.

For more information, visit http://www.choosemyplate.gov/

Deborah Moss 1Deborah Moss is a registered dietitian and certified dietetic nutritionist.  She is the owner of Natural Nutrition and Wellness, a private nutrition counseling practice that specializes in women’s health and wellness, specifically focusing on weight management and the integration of nutrition for disease prevention and management.  Deborah graduated from Queens College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Nutrition.  She completed a dietetic internship program through LIU, CW Post.  She has presented nutrition and wellness classes associated with diabetes, heart disease and weight management to numerous clients through corporate wellness programs.  Deborah’s goal in counseling is in helping others achieve a healthier and more balanced life.

For any diet and nutrition questions, contact Deborah at nnwellness.com!


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is the Director of Digital Marketing at Lucille Roberts with a B.A. in Journalism and a love for social media. Barbara is a Long Island native, now living in Westchester, who loves strength training and a flexible dieting “IIFYM” approach to staying in shape. Vegetarian, nail polish junkie, and Instagram addict, Barbara loves being a part of the Lucille Roberts fitness family!

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