The food pyramid acts as a guideline for the people of the United States when it comes to eating a nutritious and balanced diet. This “pyramid” is modified every few years in order to encompass the newest discoveries on the health front. Recently, however, the pyramid has become a plate. This plate consists of fruits, vegetables, grains, protein and dairy. The new design of the food pyramid is called “Myplate” and was introduced in June of 2011 by First Lady Michelle Obama.  The food plate is intended by the First Lady to fight obesity and other nutrition related health issues as well as to encourage people to be more mindful and aware of what they are putting into their bodies.

The plate has been a step up from the pyramid. “It’s better than the pyramid, but that’s not saying a lot,” says Marion Nestle, a nutrition professor. The plate is claimed to be easier to understand and less complicated. Half of the plate is dedicated to fruits and vegetables, the other half is composed of protein and grains, and the glass to the side of the plate consists of dairy. Ultimately the plate aims to be simple and easy to understand so that this time, unlike in the past when the pyramid was merely a picture on a box, it will be implemented into people’s lives, and will ,in fact, turn into their plates- just as the name “myplate” wants.

Compiled using the following resources: choosemyplate.gov, http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/28/health/nutrition/28plate.html?_r=0