To help people make smart food choices, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) designed an easy-to-follow symbol: MyPlate. The plate graphic, with its different food groups, is a reminder of what — and how much — we should put on our plates to eat healthy. How MyPlate Works MyPlate has sections for vegetables, fruits, grains, and protein foods, as well as a "cup" on the side for dairy. Color-coded sections— green for veggies, red for fruits, orange for grains, purple for protein, and blue for dairy— showat a glance how much of these foods to eat. MyPlate reminds us to: Choose variety: The best meals have a balance of items from different food groups. Make half of your plate vegetables and fruits. Make at least half of your grain servings whole grains. Drink fat-free or low-fat (1%) milk and water instead of soda, sports drinks, and other sugary drinks. Avoid large portions. 5 Food Groups Different food groups have different nutrients and health benefits. If you regularly skip a grou...
