The Dish on the New MyPlate

In recent years, there’s been criticism over the Food Guide Pyramid. On June 2nd, the USDA released their new shape for healthy eating, a plate. Take a peek into the new “MyPlate” design and tell us if you think it’s an improvement.

In recent years, many have criticized the Food Guide Pyramid. Among the complaints: The guide is too confusing and doesn't help Americans make better choices. On June 2nd, the USDA released its new shape for healthy eating, and it's out with the pyramid and in with the plate. Take a peek at the new MyPlate design and get our take on what's improved and what's missing.

The Old Pyramid

Consumers and professionals alike were perplexed by the USDA’s 2005 version of MyPyramid. Although my 6-year-old daughter could tell me that yellow means fat and blue means milk, she couldn’t comprehend the idea of portion control. My daughter wasn’t alone -- many of my adult clients, students and even friends weren’t so sure what the recommendations actually were.

The New Plate

MyPlate replaced MyPyramid as a way to realistically show folks how to eat. It’s colorful, simple to understand and relatable (we eat on plates not pyramids!). The new guidelines recommend filling half the plate with fruits and veggies, 1/4 with grains and 1/4 with protein. A cup of milk on the side reminds folks to drink low-fat or nonfat milk or have a cup of yogurt each day.

One thing that isn’t addressed here is exercise, though Michelle Obama's Let's Move! campaign does heavily promote, well, moving more. The new eating model also doesn't mention fats or sweets, which is surprising since many folks (including myself) love desserts and the occasional fatty indulgence.

New Messages

Along with the new design, the USDA offered 7 eat-better messages based on studies and observations of the American diet. These may seem simple to follow, but breaking bad habits are tougher than most people think.

  • Enjoy your food, but eat less.
  • Avoid oversized portions.
  • Make half your plate fruits and veggies.
  • Make at least half your grains whole.
  • Switch to fat-free or low-fat (1 percent) milk
  • Compare sodium in foods and choose those with the lowest numbers.
  • Choose water over sugary drinks.

Bottom Line: MyPlate offers an easy-to-understand message for all ages. However, it's easier said than done. Studies show that small improvements in your diet are more likely to last. To really make things stick, try one or two dietary goals at a time. Once you’ve mastered them, make new goals. Over time, good habits and better health will prevail.

TELL US: What do you think of the new MyPlate? Tell us in the comments or take our poll at FN Dish.

Toby Amidor, MS, RD, CDN, is a registered dietitian and consultant who specializes in food safety and culinary nutrition. See Toby's full bio »

You Might Also Like:

Next Up

All the New Holiday-Flavored Foods You Can Buy for 2023

Deck your cabinets with these delicious groceries.

Why Rice Pudding Is My Sweet Start to the New Year

Celebrate the Lebanese way with rice pudding or any other white-colored dish to symbolize positivity, prosperity and peace.

We Tried the New Version of the Best-Selling Always Pan

Our Place's Always Pan 2.0 addresses the pitfalls of the original and comes in many of the same popular colors.

We're Calling It: Chicks Are the New Bunny Butts This Easter

And we have seven too-cute recipes to prove it.

The New Passover Recipe I Can't Wait to Share with My Bubbe

Cinnamon rolls have never been kosher for Passover, until now.

Did Trader Joe’s Mini Tote Bags Just Become the New Stanley Quencher Cups?

The small, $2.99 canvas bags are causing crowds of customers to rush displays.

I Tried Almost All the New Menu Items Taco Bell Plans to Drop in 2024

The chain unveiled the exciting slate at its recent Live Mas Live event in Las Vegas.

The New Tiny Cast Iron From Our Place May Be the Most Adorable Pan We’ve Ever Seen

It’s pretty much made for single serving portions and small spaces.

Aronia: The New Superfood?

A buzz is brewing over this tiny berry. Have you heard about Aronia yet?

Vin Diesel Orders Sundae, Makes Off with the Dish

He pulled a fast one, but the ice cream shop owners are not furious.