The balanced plate, more commonly known as MyPlate, was developed in 2011 and replaced what many used to know as the food guide pyramid. The balanced plate coincides with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans to promote eating a well-balanced diet that includes all the major food groups. These five major food groups include protein, grains, vegetables, fruit, and dairy. Using these food groups, the balanced plate proposes creating meals with the following considerations:
-Fill up ½ of your plate with vegetables and/or fruits
-Fill up ¼ of your plate with protein
-Fill up ¼ of our plate with whole grains
-Consider using dairy as your beverage of choice at meals
-Use a 9-inch round plate in an effort to help with portion control to encourage room for all food groups to be included in your meals.
The MyPlate method also suggests keeping to foods and beverages with less added sugars, salt, and saturated fat. Whether you have Hypertension, Diabetes, or another type of chronic condition, the balanced plate principles can be applied and individualized to promote healthier living. Your care coordinator can work with you to help establish more balanced meals and provide additional tips and resources to support you in your health journey. Over the next several weeks, you will also learn more about the five food groups that make up the balanced plate and each of the unique health benefits they provide.
