MyPlate is a helpful tool for eating a balanced diet. It shows the five main food groups: fruits, vegetables, grains, protein, and dairy. The USDA introduced MyPlate in 2011 to help people understand how much to eat and how to plan healthy meals.

Key Parts of MyPlate:

1. Fruits and Vegetables:

   • MyPlate suggests filling half of your plate with fruits and vegetables.
   • However, the CDC says only 1 in 10 adults eat the recommended amount, which is at least 2.5 cups of vegetables and 2 cups of fruit each day.

2. Grains:

   • At least half of the grains you eat should be whole grains.
   • Whole grains are important because they have essential nutrients and fiber. Sadly, only 16% of people in the U.S. follow this guideline.

3. Protein:

   • The protein section includes many choices like meat, poultry, seafood, eggs, nuts, and beans.
   • The Dietary Guidelines say protein should make up about 10% to 35% of your daily calories.

4. Dairy:

   • MyPlate recommends low-fat or fat-free dairy options and suggests adults have 3 cups of dairy each day.
   • Unfortunately, studies show that 84% of Americans don’t get enough dairy in their diets.

Why MyPlate is Important for Meal Planning:

• Structure: MyPlate makes it easier to plan meals by showing how to create balanced plates. This can help you make better food choices and improve your health.

• Nutritional Awareness: MyPlate helps you learn about the importance of different food groups, which can help prevent health issues down the road.

• Flexibility: This model allows you to adjust based on your own dietary needs and preferences, so it works for different eating styles.

Using MyPlate for meal planning can help you eat better and might lead to a healthier lifestyle!