MyPlate

Last week the USDA replaced the Food Guide Pyramid with a new MyPlate icon. Professionally, I think the plate is a big improvement. A plate is a tool that I frequently use when counseling patients. I have read pros and cons of the new plate. Some think it has too many carbs, others not enough vegetables but in the end it is still not the end all of the healthy diet. What it leaves out is the most important piece. One plate does not fit all. The website tries to make up for it with personalized plans but “personalized” is a relative term.

Your health status, your age, your activity level, what types of activity, your job, your cultural preferences all make a difference. While some people can do well with less carbs, if you run marathons you need the carbs for energy. While some 30 year old males need 3000 calories a day, others need 1800. Health can be achieved if you eat vegan, vegetarian, low carb, high carb etc as long as you have enough variety and get the right nutrients for your body.

What the tool does teach well is portion control. Our portion sizes have exploded and this is one place the new icon will be more effective than the pyramid. I also think it will make much more sense for kids! Teaching kids the proper amounts and proportions in school will be much easier with the new icon. It makes it more real for them. Schools are probably where it will be used most so I’m all for it.

For the rest of us, check out the website www.myplate.gov and use it as your starting guide. Use the scale and your health to see if the plan it provides is right for you!