What's On Your Plate?

What's On Your Plate?

Forget The Food Pyramid; it's time to take a closer look at your plate! As a part of First Lady Michelle Obama's Let's Move! initiative, the USDA has unveiled a new healthy eating approach called MyPlate. The new model is designed to help Americans make better food choices and build healthier meals. The colorful plate is divided into four sections to represent fruits, veggies, grains, and protein with a smaller circle next to the plate representing dairy. Although the symbol has changed, the USDA's message about eating well has stayed the same. Children still need to eat healthy portions of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, protein, and low-fat dairy products. While exercise isn't included in the icon, it's still an important component of a healthy lifestyle and is another key recommendation of the Let's Move! initiative. Starting at 2 years of age, children should participate in at least 60 minutes of moderate physical activity each day. Programs at The Little Gym are the perfect way to help children stay active and develop healthy habits. In addition to establishing an appreciation for physical activity, tips for healthy living are incorporated into weekly lesson plans. Weekly themes such as Vegetables, Food for Thought, and A Healthy Me all help children make smart nutrition choices. Share MyPlate with your children and try to incorporate some of the guidelines into your family's meals. Together, we'll teach them that a healthy lifestyle can also be a fun lifestyle!