The US federal government’s new food icon – MyPlate – has been launched by First Lady Michelle Obama and other VIPs with the aim of helping Americans make wiser and healthier food choices. The idea is for consumers to think carefully about assembling a healthy collection of nutrients on their plates at meal times.

People can go to www.ChooseMyPlate.gov for more information. The thrust of the message is to focus on plenty of vegetables, fruits, proteins, grains and dairy products.

You can download the MyPlate icon in JPG and PDF formats. The YouTube video shown below has been produced by the Department of Agriculture to introduce and demonstrate the new icon to the public.



First Lady Michelle Obama, said:

“This is a quick, simple reminder for all of us to be more mindful of the foods that we’re eating and as a mom, I can already tell how much this is going to help parents across the country. When mom or dad comes home from a long day of work, we’re already asked to be a chef, a referee, a cleaning crew. So it’s tough to be a nutritionist, too. But we do have time to take a look at our kids’ plates. As long as they’re half full of fruits and vegetables, and paired with lean proteins, whole grains and low-fat dairy, we’re golden. That’s how easy it is.”

US Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, who accompanied the First Lady, said:

“With so many food options available to consumers, it is often difficult to determine the best foods to put on our plates when building a healthy meal. MyPlate is an uncomplicated symbol to help remind people to think about their food choices in order to lead healthier lifestyles. This effort is about more than just giving information, it is a matter of helping people understand there are options and practical ways to apply them to their daily lives.”

U.S. Surgeon General Regina M. Benjamin, who also accompanied the First Lady, said:

“The new icon is simple and easy to understand, with more emphasis placed on fruits and vegetables. This new tool can be a fun way to help individuals and families make healthier meal choices. I encourage all Americans to follow the new dietary guidelines and become familiar with the new icon because it will serve as a compass to a healthy and fit nation.”

The MyPlate icon will replace the MyPyramid image as the official food group symbol. It is a user-friendly visual clue to assist people in their choice of healthy foods. It is based on the contents of the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

Details on MyPyramid will be included in a special section of the web site, in case educators and health care professionals require reference material.

The website provides useful and practical data for members of the public, nutrition educators, health care professionals and the food industry.

The obesity/overweight problem in America is now being described as an epidemic. The Federal Government says the online resources and tools can help people tackle this problem by making healthier food choices for themselves and members of their household.

Soon there will be an online tool which consumers can use to personalize and manage their physical activity and dietary choices, the USDA announced.

The US government launched the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans earlier this year. Its main recommendations are listed below:
  • Calories – avoid very large portions. Enjoy what you eat, but try eating smaller amounts.
  • Increase – consumption of fruits and vegetables, try to have them make up half your plate. Go for low- or fat-free milk. At least 50% of the grains you eat should be whole grains.
  • Cut down – carefully read labels and go for lower sodium/salt content foods, especially when selecting frozen meals, soups and bread. Avoid sugary drinks; water is best.
There will also be “how-tos”, known as actionable messages which may help encourage consumer behavior change. The first message will be “Make Half Your Plate Fruits and Vegetables”. There will be a continuous flow of new actionable messages, the USDA informs.

Secretary Vilsack said:

“What we have learned over the years is that consumers are bombarded by so many nutrition messages that it makes it difficult to focus on changes that are necessary to improve their diet. This new campaign calendar will help unify the public and private sectors to coordinate efforts and highlight one desired change for consumers at a time.”

USDA is encouraging Americans to take pictures of their plates and to share them on Twitter with the hash-tag #MyPlate. You can also take a photograph of your plate and share it with the USDA Flickr Photo Group.

http://www.choosemyplate.gov/

Source: USDA

Written by Christian Nordqvist