View source for MyPlate

{{Short description|US federal nutrition guide since 2011}}
[[File:USDA_MyPlate_green.svg|thumb|The MyPlate food guide icon]]
'''MyPlate''' is the current [[List of nutrition guides|nutrition guide]] published by the [[United States Department of Agriculture]]'s [[Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion]], and serves as a recommendation based on the [[Dietary Guidelines for Americans]].<ref>{{Cite journal|date=2015-12-14|title=Dietary Guidelines for Americans|doi=10.1377/hpb20151214.174872|doi-access=free}}</ref> It replaced the USDA's [[MyPyramid]] guide on June 2, 2011, ending 19 years of USDA [[Food guide pyramid|food pyramid]] [[diagram]]s. MyPlate is displayed on [[food packaging]] and used in [[nutrition education]] in the [[United States]]. The graphic depicts a [[place setting]] with a [[Plate (dishware)|plate]] and [[Drinkware|glass]] divided into five [[food group]]s that are recommended parts of a healthy diet. This dietary recommendation combines an organized amount of [[fruit]]s, [[vegetable]]s, [[grain]]s, [[Protein (nutrient)|protein]], and [[Dairy product|dairy]].<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|title=Back to Basics: All About MyPlate Food Groups|url=https://www.usda.gov/media/blog/2017/09/26/back-basics-all-about-myplate-food-groups|access-date=2022-01-21|website=www.usda.gov|language=en}}</ref> It is designed as a [[guideline]] for Americans to base their plate around in order to make educated food choices. ChooseMyPlate.gov shows individuals the variety of these five subgroups based on their activity levels and personal characteristics.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Tools {{!}} MyPlate|url=https://www.myplate.gov/resources/tools|access-date=2022-01-21|website=www.myplate.gov}}</ref>
== Background ==
{{see also|History of USDA nutrition guides|List of nutrition guides}}
MyPlate is the latest nutrition guide from the USDA. The USDA's first dietary guidelines were published in 1894 by [[Dr. Wilbur Olin Atwater|Wilbur Olin Atwater]] as a farmers' bulletin.<ref name="USDAHistory">{{cite web|date=May 1999|title=Dietary Recommendations and How They Have Changed Over Time|url=http://www.ers.usda.gov/publications/aib-agricultural-information-bulletin/aib750.aspx|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120708043622/http://www.ers.usda.gov/publications/aib-agricultural-information-bulletin/aib750.aspx|archive-date=8 July 2012|access-date=2 June 2011|work=America's Eating Habits: Changes and Consequences|publisher=United States Department of Agriculture|format=PDF}}</ref> Since then, the USDA has provided a variety of nutrition guides for the public, including the [[History of U.S.D.A. nutrition guidelines and schematics#Basic 7|Basic 7]] (1943–1956), the [[Four Food Groups|Basic Four]] (1956–1992), the [[Food Guide Pyramid]] (1992–2005), and [[MyPyramid]] (2005–2013). MyPlate was established by the USDA in 2011 to combine the recommendations of these past nutrition guides into a graphic that was easy to read.<ref name=":6">{{Cite web|title=Evolution of USDA Food Guides to Today's MyPlate|url=https://www.rileychildrens.org/connections/evolution-of-usda-food-guides-to-todays-myplate|access-date=2022-02-10|website=Riley Children's Health|language=en}}</ref>
Many other governments and organizations have created [[List of nutrition guides|nutrition guides]]. Some, like the [[United Kingdom]]'s [[Eatwell plate|Eatwell Plate]],<ref>{{cite web|title=The eatwell plate|url=http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/Goodfood/Pages/eatwell-plate.aspx|access-date=3 June 2011|work=National Health Service}}</ref> the ''[[Australian Guide to Healthy Eating]]'',<ref>{{cite web|title=The Australian Guide to Healthy Eating - Enjoy a Variety of Foods Every Day|url=http://www.health.gov.au/internet/publications/publishing.nsf/Content/nhsc-guidelines~aus-guide-healthy-eating|access-date=3 June 2011|work=Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing}}</ref> and the [[American Diabetes Association]]'s Create Your Plate system,<ref>{{cite web|title=Create Your Plate|url=http://www.diabetes.org/food-and-fitness/food/planning-meals/create-your-plate/|access-date=3 June 2011|work=American Diabetes Association}}</ref> also use plate diagrams.
In December 2018, the USDA released plans to modify the MyPlate limits on [[milk]], [[sodium]], school breakfast, and school lunch options.<ref name="rollback">{{cite web |url=https://www.fns.usda.gov/usda-publishes-school-meals-final-rule |title=USDA Publishes School Meals Final Rule {{!}} Food and Nutrition Service |website=www.fns.usda.gov |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181207174301/https://www.fns.usda.gov/usda-publishes-school-meals-final-rule |archive-date=2018-12-07}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=December 7, 2018|first=Maura|last=Hohman|title=USDA Rolls Back Michelle Obama's School Lunch Regulations, Allowing More Salt and Fat|url=https://people.com/food/usda-reduces-school-lunch-regulations-more-sodium-flavored-milk/|website=people.com}}</ref> Current nutritional research continues to make new daily intake recommendations which the USDA has been adding to newer modifications of MyPlate.<ref name="MyPlate" />
[[File:USDA my plate.png|thumb|upright=1.6|The USDA MyPlate layout of food groups and the recommended options for each category]]
== Guidelines ==
MyPlate is divided into four sections of approximately 30 percent grains, 40 percent vegetables, 10 percent fruits and 20 percent protein, accompanied by a smaller circle representing dairy, such as a glass of [[milk]] or a [[yogurt]] cup.
MyPlate is supplemented with an additional recommendations, such as "Make half your plate fruits and vegetables", "Switch to [[Fat content of milk|1% or skim milk]]", "Make at least half your grains [[Whole grain|whole]]", and "Vary your protein food choices."<ref>{{cite web|title=Let's eat for the health of it|url=http://www.choosemyplate.gov/downloads/MyPlate/DG2010Brochure.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110626032549/http://www.choosemyplate.gov/downloads/MyPlate/DG2010Brochure.pdf|archive-date=26 June 2011|access-date=2 June 2011|work=United States Department of Agriculture}}</ref> The guidelines also recommend [[Portion control (dieting)|portion control]] while still enjoying food, as well as reductions in [[Salt|sodium]] and [[sugar]] intakes.<ref name="MyPlate">{{cite web|title=USDA's MyPlate|url=http://www.choosemyplate.gov/|access-date=2 June 2011|work=United States Department of Agriculture}}</ref>
"Make half your plate fruits and vegetables" is one of the main recommendations presented through MyPlate's design. Many Americans fail to consume the proper number of fruits and vegetables or do not incorporate a variety of this particular food group.{{citation needed|date=January 2023}} The 2010 Dietary Guidelines recommends increasing fruits and vegetable consumption due to the associated health benefits.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2011-01-31|title=2010 Dietary Guidelines Released|url=https://foodandhealth.com/2010-dietary-guidelines-released/|access-date=2022-01-21|website=Food and Health Communications|language=en}}</ref> Fruits and vegetables are rich in [[vitamin]]s and [[mineral]]s such as [[vitamin C]], [[dietary fiber]]s, and [[folate]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Fruits & Veggies – More Matters! {{!}} HealthySD.gov|url=https://healthysd.gov/fruits-veggies-more-matters/|access-date=2022-01-21|website=healthysd.gov|date=21 September 2015 }}</ref> These nutrients are further linked with health benefits such as protecting against a variety of [[disease]]s, promoting healthy [[Ageing|aging]], and lowering the risk of certain [[cancer]]s.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Jayawardena |first1=Ranil |last2=Sooriyaarachchi |first2=Piumika |last3=Punchihewa |first3=Pavani |last4=Lokunarangoda |first4=Niroshan |last5=Kirthi Pathirana |first5=Anidu |title=Effects of "plate model" as a part of dietary intervention for rehabilitation following myocardial infarction: a randomized controlled trial |journal=Cardiovascular Diagnosis and Therapy |year=2019 |volume=9 |issue=2 |pages=179–188 |doi=10.21037/cdt.2019.03.04 |pmid=31143640 |pmc=6511685 |doi-access=free }}</ref> These prominent health benefits associated with fruits and vegetables explain the emphasis by MyPlate for making this food group take it half of one's plate.
MyPlate focuses primarily on the addition of fruits and vegetables, into a diet due to the nutritional benefits associated with these food groups. This nutritional recommendation suggests including a variety of both of these food groups in order to gain maximum levels of nutrients. MyPlate suggests choosing from a mix of different colors of fruits and vegetables in order to maximize the intake of vitamins and minerals.<ref name=":2" />
In unveiling MyPlate, [[First Lady of the United States|First Lady]] [[Michelle Obama]] said, "Parents don't have the time to measure out exactly three ounces of [[Chicken as food|chicken]] or to look up how much [[rice]] or [[broccoli]] is in a serving. ... But we do have time to take a look at our kids' plates. ... And as long as they're eating proper portions, as long as half of their meal is fruits and vegetables alongside their lean proteins, whole grains and low-fat dairy, then we're good. It's as simple as that."<ref>{{cite news|last=Sweet|first=Lynn|date=2 June 2011|title=Michelle Obama hypes icon switch: Bye food pyramid, hello food plate. Transcript|newspaper=Chicago Sun-Times|url=http://blogs.suntimes.com/sweet/2011/06/michelle_obama_hypes_icon_swit.html|url-status=dead|access-date=6 June 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110605080519/http://blogs.suntimes.com/sweet/2011/06/michelle_obama_hypes_icon_swit.html|archive-date=5 June 2011}}</ref>
Michelle Obama's and her [[Let's Move!|Let’sMove! Initiative]] have targeted the MyPlate icon as a positive nutritional guideline to help reduce national obesity trends. The Let’sMove Initiative has the main goal of creating a healthy life for children in order to produce a healthier population in the future. Michelle Obama's initiative has chosen to promote MyPlate and ChooseMyPlate.gov in order to help pursue the overall goal of lessening nation-wide [[Obesity in the United States|obesity]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=First Lady, Agriculture Secretary Launch MyPlate Icon as a New Reminder to Help Consumers to Make Healthier Food Choices {{!}} Food and Nutrition Service|url=https://www.fns.usda.gov/cnpp/first-lady-agriculture-secretary-launch-myplate-icon-new-reminder-help-consumers-make-healthier-food|access-date=2022-01-20|website=www.fns.usda.gov}}</ref>
== National strategic partners ==
The USDA has created partnerships with a number of organizations to help promote the messages of MyPlate and spread the reach as far and wide as possible. These partners consist of companies and organizations national in scope and reach that have agreed to "promote nutrition content in the context of the entirety of the [[Dietary Guidelines for Americans]]".<ref name=":3">{{cite web|title=USDA MyPlate National Strategic Partners|url=http://www.choosemyplate.gov/partnering-program/national-partners/partner-list.html|access-date=7 November 2012|work=ChooseMyPlate.gov}}</ref> These companies most follow the mission stated by the [[Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion]] and participate in sessions that are focused on nutritional planning techniques. The USDA has the support of numerous national partners with emphasis on [[Grocery store|grocery retailers]], [[Health care|healthcare]] companies, and [[food chain]]s.<ref name=":3" />
== Reception ==
MyPlate was widely received as an improvement on the previous [[MyPyramid]] icon, which had been criticized as too abstract and confusing.<ref name="WaPo">{{cite news|last=Carman|first=Tim|date=2 June 2011|title=Michelle Obama and USDA unveil nutritional plate icon|newspaper=The Washington Post|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/all-we-can-eat/post/michelle-obama-and-usda-unveil-nutritional-plate-icon/2011/06/01/AGvSWUHH_blog.html|access-date=3 June 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Hellmich|first=Nanci|date=3 June 2011|title=USDA serves nutrition guidelines on 'My Plate|newspaper=USA Today|url=http://yourlife.usatoday.com/fitness-food/diet-nutrition/story/0/usda-serves-nutrition-guidelines-on-my-plate/47936534/1|access-date=3 June 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|date=2 June 2011|title=Pyramid tossed, dinner plate is new U.S. meals plan|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-food-usda-idUSTRE7514AC20110602|access-date=3 June 2011}}</ref> The 50-percent emphasis on fruits and vegetables, as well as the simplicity and understandability of the plate image, were particularly praised. The [[Food pyramid (nutrition)|Food Pyramid]] was not a strong guideline considering many individuals struggled incorporating it into their daily life. Many details such as the recommended daily intake were left out of this nutritional guideline which confused the general population.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|title=A Detailed Guide to Using MyPlate Plus Food Lists, and a 7-Day Meal Plan|url=https://www.everydayhealth.com/diet-nutrition/myplate-the-ultimate-guide-to-healthy-eating/|access-date=2022-02-03|website=EverydayHealth.com|language=en}}</ref> MyPlate was the revised version with a visual that made the recommendations very clear and easy to understand.
Although MyPlate implements might contain dietary guidelines that are nutritional beneficial, it has occasional disadvantages. The guidelines fail to explain plate size, include [[snack]] recommendations, or give examples of healthy foods for each category.<ref name=":1" />
Some critics said the protein section is unnecessary, given that protein is available from other food groups, and Americans on average already eat enough; however, [[meat]] would not fit in any of the other food groups. The dairy section was criticized by some as similarly dispensable. An additional critique was that the icon is too simple, missing opportunities for additional dietary advice, such as distinctions between healthy and unhealthy proteins or guidance on good fats and bad fats.<ref name="WaPo" /><ref>{{cite news|last=Kotz|first=Deborah|date=2 June 2011|title=New food plate icon: will it change how you eat?|newspaper=The Boston Globe|url=http://www.boston.com/lifestyle/health/blog/dailydose/2011/06/new_food_plate.html|access-date=3 June 2011}}</ref>
''[[Reason (magazine)|Reason]]'' magazine stated in an article from December 2022 that, "The federal government continues to be very bad at telling people what and how to eat" and further criticized the MyPlate program as also being poorly marketed in that fewer than three out of four polled Americans were aware of the program.<ref name="Reason, Linnekin, Dec. 10th, 2022">{{cite web |last1=Linnekin |first1=Baylen |title='MyPlate,' the USDA's 'Food Pyramid' Replacement, Is Also a Dud |url=https://reason.com/2022/12/10/the-usdas-food-pyramid-replacement-is-also-a-dud-that-americans-ignore/ |date=10 December 2022 |publisher=Reason |access-date=12 December 2022}}</ref>
The [[Harvard School of Public Health]] (HSPH) released their own adjusted and more detailed version of MyPlate, called the Harvard [[Healthy eating pyramid|Healthy Eating Pyramid]], in response.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2012-09-18|title=Healthy Eating Plate|url=https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/healthy-eating-plate/|access-date=2022-02-10|website=The Nutrition Source|language=en-us}}</ref> The Healthy Eating Pyramid was suggested as an alternative to MyPlate that is more up-to-date with scientific nutritional findings. Harvard's plate features a higher ratio of vegetables to fruits, adds healthy [[oil]]s to the recommendation, and balances healthy (type of) protein and whole grains as equal quarters of the plate, along with recommending [[water]] and suggesting sparing dairy consumption.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web|date=2011-09-13|title=Comparison of the Healthy Eating Plate and the USDA's MyPlate|url=https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/comparison-of-healthy-eating-plate-and-usda-myplate|access-date=2022-02-10|website=Harvard Health|language=en}}</ref> HSPH Chair of the Department of Nutrition, [[Walter Willett]], criticized MyPlate, saying: "unfortunately, like the earlier U.S. Department of Agriculture pyramids, MyPlate mixes science with the influence of powerful agricultural interests, which is not the recipe for healthy eating".<ref>{{cite news|last=Datz|first=Todd|date=14 September 2011|title=Harvard serves up its own 'Plate'|newspaper=Harvard Gazette|url=http://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2011/09/harvard-serves-up-its-own-plate/|access-date=31 January 2012}}</ref> The Harvard plate also contains a recommendation for [[physical activity]] which MyPlate tends to leave out. This more refined nutritional guideline states a more exact protocol to follow in regards to the consumption of fats and grains with an individual's specific weight and workout routine in mind.
[[Harvard Medical School]] also pushes for the inclusion of water in their nutritional guidelines.<ref name=":4" /> MyPlate recommends the consumption of milk or some form of dairy without explicitly encouraging drinking water. The [[Healthy eating pyramid|Healthy Eating Pyramid]] has included a section to their plate that focuses on adding water or non-sugar beverages to one's daily intake.<ref name=":4" />
According to [[Marion Nestle]], former chair of the Department of Nutrition, Food Studies, and Public Health at [[New York University]], "There's a great deal of money at stake in what these guidelines say."<ref name=":0">{{Cite magazine|last=Heid|first=Markham|date=8 January 2016|title=Experts Say Lobbying Skewed the U.S. Dietary Guidelines|url=https://time.com/4130043/lobbying-politics-dietary-guidelines/|magazine=Time|access-date=2017-06-26}}</ref> Talking about her work as an [[United States Department of Health and Human Services|U.S. Department of Health and Human Services]] and USDA expert, she said "I was told we could never say "eat less meat' because USDA would not allow it."<ref name=":0" />
[[File:Spmyplate green.png|thumb|MyPlate guidelines translated into Spanish]]
== MyPlate Expansion ==
Starting in 2021, the [[Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion]] has broadened its reach to target more of the general population rather than keeping its focus audience in America. The MyPlate icon has been translated into eighteen different languages in order to encourage the eating habits of individuals around the world.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web|title=MyPlate Broadens its Reach|url=https://www.usda.gov/media/blog/2015/05/28/myplate-broadens-its-reach|access-date=2022-02-10|website=www.usda.gov|language=en}}</ref> There are now icons and informational sheets in a variety of Asian languages as well as Spanish.<ref>{{Cite web|title=MyPlate Graphics {{!}} MyPlate|url=https://www.myplate.gov/resources/graphics/myplate-graphics|access-date=2022-02-10|website=www.myplate.gov}}</ref> MiPlato is a version of the MyPlate guidelines that is translated in order to be understood by a broader range of the population.<ref name=":6" /> This along with the broadening of MyPlate's [[social media]] accounts has expanded the MyPlate influence across many platforms. [[CNPP]] has been working to broaden these resources for [[health professional]]s and interested individuals.<ref name=":5" />
== See also ==
{{Portal|Food|United States|Politics}}
* [[5 A Day]]
* [[Food and Nutrition Service]]
* [[Food guide pyramid]]
* [[Healthy diet]]
* [[Healthy eating pyramid]]
* [[Human nutrition]]
== References ==
{{reflist}}
== External links ==
*[https://www.myplate.gov/ MyPlate official website]
*[http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/healthy-eating-plate/ Harvard Healthy Eating Plate]
[[Category:Nutrition guides]]
[[Category:Nutritional education]]