USDA Food Guide

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Nutrition experts from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services update their food guide every 5 years. It is for both children and adults. And it's meant to help people control portion sizes and make the healthiest choices possible within food groups.

For a personalized food guide, go to the interactive website www.ChooseMyPlate.gov.

ChooseMyPlate

The MyPlate design reminds people to make healthy food choices, including the following:

• 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. 
• Make at least half of your grains whole grains.
• Compare sodium (salt) in foods like soup, bread, and frozen meals—and choose the foods with lower numbers.
• Drink water instead of sugary drinks.

Credits

By	Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Rhonda O'Brien, MS, RD, CDE - Certified Diabetes Educator
Last Revised	January 25, 2013