To help people make smart food choices, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has 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 be putting on our plates to stay healthy.

How MyPlate Works

The MyPlate graphic has sections for vegetables, fruits, grains, and foods that are high in protein, as well as a "cup" on the side for dairy. Each section is a different size and color coded (green for veggies, red for fruits, orange for grains, purple for protein, and blue for dairy) so you can see at a glance how much of these foods to eat.

The plate graphic reminds us of the following nutrition needs:

• Choose variety: The best meals have a balance of items from different food groups.
• Half of your plate should be vegetables and fruits.
• About one-quarter of your plate should be grains and one-quarter protein.
• Drink fat-free or low-fat (1%) milk and water instead of soda, sports drinks, and other sugary drinks.
• Avoid over-sized portions.     continue reading article here...