'MyPlate' Replaces Food Guide Pyramid

Does anyone else think the plate looks too full? And that there's too much protein and grains? It's so much better than a pyramid for helping kids visualize what foods, and how much of them, belong in a meal, though. Even so, many children are conditioned to eat only processed foods, washed down with cola at every meal. Add years of little to no exercise and we're looking at generations of adults with poor health. (Make the fork bigger at least.) This is a fine initiative overall in my opinion and helps point the way toward better food choices. 

Recommendations from the USDA Website:
- Enjoy your food, but eat less.
- Avoid oversize portions.
Foods to increase: Make half your plate fruits and vegetables. Make at least half your grains whole grains. Switch to fat-free or low-fat milk.
Foods to reduce: Compare sodium in packaged foods and choose products with lower numbers. Drink water instead of sugary drinks.

Since the big food companies drive so much government policy, it is not surprising that little to no mention is made of changing beef, poultry and egg consumption, which has such a profound effect on our environment and consumer health. It will be interesting to see how this policy evolves over time. For more information on the new food recommendations, see the USDA Website.