The USDA's newest updated food guidelines are represented by the MyPlate icon. It looks like a dinner plate with food group slices. The food groups include fruits and vegetables covering one half of the plate, grains and protein on the other half, and dairy in a glass at the side.
“This is a quick, simple reminder for all of us to be more mindful of the foods that we’re eating and as a mom, I can already tell how much this is going to help parents across the country,” said First Lady Michelle Obama.
“When mom or dad comes home from a long day of work, we’re already asked to be a chef, a referee, a cleaning crew. So it’s tough to be a nutritionist, too. But we do have time to take a look at our kids’ plates. As long as they’re half full of fruits and vegetables, and paired with lean proteins, whole grains and low-fat dairy, we’re golden. That’s how easy it is.”
MyPlate Printables and Activity Sheets
Print out this MyPlate coloring sheet. Decorate the plate by matching drawn or cut out healthy foods or alternative substitutes to the appropriate sections. For example, the dairy piece could contain non-dairy alternatives. The grain piece could be left out and the plate reworked to fit a grain-free diet.
You'll find more activity ideas and MyPlate information at the USDA's Team Nutrition page.
The USDA's food guide for kids web page has not yet been updated from MyPyramid to MyPlate. However, the nutritional advice remains basically the same. The learning materials remain relevant to the new food guide. The games and print activities include
- the Blast Off game,
- coloring pages,
- worksheet,
- teaching materials, and
- poster.
Talking to Kids About Alternative Diets
Although some families prefer alternative dietary guides such as a vegetarian, pescetarian, or low-carb paleo diet, children will probably encounter the U.S. federal government's officially recommended food guide. The MyPlate guide can serve as a point of discussion in regard to the child's individual nutritional choices and needs, including medicinal foods.
Nutritional needs vary from person to person based on numerous factors, so it can be difficult to decide how to discuss the subject with kids. The USDA MyPlate and MyPyramid food guides can serve as a starting point and be used as a comparison to alternative dietary choices.
Sources:
- "Press Release: First Lady, Agriculture Secretary Launch MyPlate Icon as a New Reminder to Help Consumers to Make Healthier Food Choices." USDA.gov, June 2, 2011.
Sara McGrath - Sara is a veteran homeschool mom of three, Usborne consultant, and the author of Unschooling: A Lifestyle of Learning.
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