After revamping the MyPyramid in 2005, the United States Department of Agriculture went back to their creative kitchens to whip up an easier-to-use diagram to help Americans meet their dietary guidelines. The result is a colorful placemat style design called My Plate.

My Plate provides visual indicators, labels and easy-to-gauge portion control sizes that make it simple for even children to recognize how much fruit, grains, vegetables, protein and dairy they consume at each meal.

“Nutrition education needs to be simple,” said Cindy Fitch, registered dietician and director of West Virginia University Extension Service’s families and health programs. “My Plate uses concepts that Extension Service has taught for years – portion control.”

Fitch is available to speak about the new diet guidelines. She can be reached at 304-293-2796 ext. 3341, or 304-680-6095, or cfitch@mail.wvu.edu.

Fitch notes that the largest portions, or half of your plate, should consist of fruits and vegetables. This is a concept already in use by programs like WVU Extension’s Dining with Diabetes, which teaches people with diabetes to reduce sugar, salt and fat in foods without giving up taste.

“At the end of the day it’s about making a personal choice to lead a healthier lifestyle,” Fitch said. “My Plate is one tool to help you visualize and accomplish that goal.”

For more information on the new USDA dietary guidelines, visit www.chosemyplate.gov.

For more information on health and nutrition programs in your community, visit www.fh.ext.wvu.edu, or contact your local county office of the WVU Extension Service.

-WVU-

cw/6/2/11

CONTACT: Ann Bailey Berry, WVU Extension Communications
Office: 304-293-5691, cell: 304-376-7740, e-mail: Ann.Berry@mail.wvu.edu

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