What is the purpose of MyPlate?

The purpose of MyPlate is to provide a visual representation of the recommended proportions of different food groups that should be included in a healthy diet. It was developed by the USDA as a replacement for the previous food guide pyramid, which was introduced in 1992.

The MyPlate icon consists of a plate divided into five sections, each representing one of the following food groups:

- Fruits

- Vegetables

- Whole Grains

- Protein

- Dairy

Each section of MyPlate is sized in proportion to the recommended daily servings for each food group. For example, the fruits section is larger than the protein section, indicating that adults should eat more fruits than protein on a daily basis.

MyPlate also emphasizes the importance of making half of your plate fruits and vegetables. This is in line with the recommendations of the 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which advise adults to consume at least 2 cups of fruit and 2-3 cups of vegetables per day.

Overall, the purpose of MyPlate is to help individuals create healthy, balanced meals by visualizing the recommended proportions of different food groups. It is a tool that can be used to improve overall health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.