Notice anything different about the USDA's food recommendation diagram above? Yep, fruits and vegetables now earn a larger share of your plate. According to ChooseMyPlate.gov, the idea of this colorful plate is to encourage the American public to eat healthier by enlarging some portions, and eating less of others. Broken down, the 4 food groups should look like this:

Grains & Protein. Grains and protein each represent less than one quarter of the plate. While the protein group was once known as the meat group, over time it has transitioned to incorporate other protein-rich foods such as fish, shellfish, poultry, eggs, beans, peas, nuts, and seeds.

Dairy. The dairy group has been moved to a circle next to the plate and defined as fat-free or low-fat milk or yogurt.

Fruits & Vegetables. The biggest star of the MyPlate debut is fruits and vegetables, winning half the available real estate on the plate. The plate stresses the key concept of filling half your plate with fruits and vegetables.

The US Department of Agriculture has stated that the purpose of this site is to "advance and promote dietary guidelines for all Americans". In so doing, several organizations worked together to produce a website that is colorful, informative, and full of tips and tricks.

For instance, by clicking on the FAQ icon, I learned:

-If we consume 2,000 calories a day, our foods should contain 28 grams of fiber
-Is corn a grain or a vegetable? (look it up!)

There are icons for a Healthy Eating Index, Dietary Guidelines and Food Plans to name a few. The guidelines are set up for anyone who eats food; including vegetarians, those who suffer from celiac disease, (a gluten intolerance), diabetics, and picky eaters. And yes, there are recipes.

This site is the mother-lode of all things pertaining to what goes onto a healthy, balanced, plate. I also found the diagram of the plate to be a very simple way to explain to children what to look for when they eat.

I recommend that you take a few minutes - or more - to introduce yourself to this informative site. Let me know what you thought of it when you are done!