Food pyramid predicted to be replaced by a dinner plate

This week there is a great deal of buzz about the launch of the new USDA food symbol.

The rumor has it that a plate will be the new icon for eating healthy and the food pyramid will no longer be used as the symbol for healthy eating.

You may remember that back in January the USDA announced their new 2010 Food Guidelines.  Although the guidelines to healthy eating were not much different, they did change their key messages to the general public.

Their goal was to give Americans simple and easy to understand guidelines to eating healthy that could be easily adapted into daily food choices.  Their three key messages were:

• Enjoy your food, but eat less.
• Avoid oversized portions.
• Make half your plate fruits and vegetables.
• Switch to fat-free or low-fat (1%) milk.
• Compare sodium in foods like soup, bread, and frozen meals – and choose the foods with lower numbers.
• Drink water instead of sugary drinks.

Now to complement their new key messages, they are moving to a symbol that the USDA feels will make it easier to visualize how to eat healthy - a dinner plate.   The actual look of the plate is much anticipated.

Stay tuned for their announcement and unveiling of the New USDA Food Guidelines Icon

New 2010 Food Guidelines Released – key messages to promote healthier eating

Key messages new food guidelines- Increase fruits, vegetables and switch to fat-free or low fat dairy

Balance calories, a key message in new food guidelines- what it means to your family

Understanding the Food Pyramid Article Learn how to create a balanced meal from foods from each of the food groups

MyPyramid Learning Sheet – Fun colorful Food Pyramid page printable that teach kids about healthy eating and exercise (Spanish version)

Food Pyramid Servings Learning Sheet – Food Pyramid Servings and Portion Chart (Spanish version)

Food Pyramid Colorful Guide – Food pyramid food groups and colorful guide for kids (Spanish version)

Food Pyramid Foods Learning Sheet – Balanced meal with foods from all the food groups. (Spanish version)

MyPyramid Food Group Learning Sheet – Food Pyramid guide for kids with food groups (Spanish version)

My Pyramid Food Groups Learning Sheet – Colorful information printable to teach kids about all the food groups (Spanish version)

Food Pyramid and a Healthy Heart Learning Sheet – Fun coloring page printable that teach kids about the healthy foods for the heart in each of the food groups (Spanish version)

Recommended Grade Level(s) 3 – 5^thMy Pyramid Food Group Healthy Serving Size Sheet – Colorful informational printable to teach children about what is a serving from each of the food groups (Spanish version)