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Food guide plate - Overview

Alternative Names

MyPlate

Definition of Food guide plate:

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's newest food guide, called MyPlate, encourages consumers to make healthier food choices. In the new food guide, you are asked to eat less and avoid oversized portions. Half your plate should be filled with fruits and vegetables. At least half of your grains should be whole grains. You also should switch to fat-free or low-fat milk.

Information:

There are 5 major food groups:

• Grains

• Vegetables

• Fruits

• Dairy

• Proteins

You should eat foods from each group every day. But how much food you should eat from each group depends on your age, gender, and how active you are.

For more information on MyPlate, visit www.choosemyplate.gov.

  • Reviewed last on: 6/5/2011
  • A.D.A.M. Editorial Team: David Zieve, MD, MHA, and David R. Eltz.

References

Dietary guidelines for Americans, 2010, United States Department Of Agriculture, accessed June 5, 2011.

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The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
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