Bye Bye MyPyramid

Earlier this month, the USDA revised their dietary guidelines for Americans and said "bye-bye" to that food pyramid we have all been learning about. The new guideline for healthy eating looks like this:

The main message of this image is to fill half of your plate with fruits and vegetables. That can sound a little scary to those who are trying to feed their families on a budget. If you are really struggling with getting enough food to eat (or safe food to eat), then this plate guideline is not going to make much sense to you until you feel comfortable that you and your family will be fed adequately. MyPlate is a good goal for most Americans to shoot for, however. And if it looks intimidating to you, take baby steps:

• Start having family meals like the "old days". Instead of eating on the run, in the car, or in front of the TV, eat at the table as a family as much as possible. Start by having what you are eating now, just at regular meal times.



• For more advanced meal planners, make sure each meal has at least one fruit or vegetable. Remember that canned, frozen, and dried fruits and vegetables count, too!
  


• Serve milk with meals to drink instead of other beverages (especially if you have children!)



• Consider decreasing the amount of meat you use
  


• If you are ready, fill half your plates with fruits and vegetables.

For more information on the new dietary guidelines, check out http://www.choosemyplate.gov/

-Allison Leonard RD