Say goodbye to the traditional food pyramid guide that the United States Department of Agriculture used to show you what portions of food you should be using. They are now using My Plate. It is an image of a dinner plate with what portions of food should be on a plate. Find out why this change happened.

First Lady Michelle Obama introduced the new food guidelines as something useful and simple. It’s easier for people to understand what portions to eat when it is seen on a dinner plate.

Half of the plate represents vegetables and fruits. One quarter of the plate is protein. The last quarter is grain. Finally there is a small side of dairy not on the plate. According the their official website, the new plate encourages people to avoid oversized portions. Milk should be fat-free or 1%. Water is encouraged instead of sugary drinks. And you should always choose low sodium meals.

What do you think of the USDA’s new food guidelines?

Photo Courtesy of ChooseMyPlate.Gov