Michelle Obama and USDA Say Food Pyramid Out, My Plate In

flckr/ Rapid City Public Library

This food pyramid is old news. America, it's time for a new food lesson...

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Remember that food pyramid you learned about in grade school and kept seeing around the place? Well, it's outta here. The United States Department of Agriculture has launched a new visual icon -- it's now MyPlate instead of MyPyramid. In a White House - released YouTube video Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack announced the icon, saying, "It's really pretty simple. Choose a healthier plate and balance it with exercise." He says the new image more accurately represents the 2010 dietary guidelines. The icon, a dinner plate, simply depicts the the proportions of food groups in a given meal. In addition to the new nutrition icon and other programs, the USDA will continue to work with Michelle Obama's Let's Move initiative to encourage Americans to lead a healthier lifestyle.

The First Lady also spoke about the change:

"Parents don't have the time to measure out exactly three ounces of chicken or to look up how much rice or broccoli is in a serving...But we do have time to take a look at our kids' plates. We do it all the time. We usually are the ones fixing the plates. And as long as they're eating proper portions, as long as half of their meal is fruits and vegetables alongside their lean proteins, whole grains and low-fat dairy, then we're good." 

What do you think of the new image? Check it out here and let us know:
For more information on government guidelines and tips for healthy eating, head to choosemyplate.gov.

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