Goodbye Food Pyramid, Hello "My Plate"
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Updated: 1:38 PM Jun 2, 2011
Goodbye Food Pyramid, Hello "My Plate"
WASHINGTON (AP)
The Agriculture Department says its new healthy eating symbol, called "My Plate," will show Americans that nutrition doesn't have to be complicated.
Posted: 1:37 PM Jun 2, 2011
Reporter: MARY CLARE JALONICK - Associated Press Writer
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The Agriculture Department says its new healthy eating symbol, called "My Plate," will show Americans that nutrition doesn't have to be complicated.

It takes the place of the food pyramid, which the government has used in various forms since 1992. "My Plate" is a simple circle divided into four sections that contain fruits, vegetables, protein and grains. It's accompanied by a Website.

USDA officials say the pyramid was tired out, overly complex and tried to communicate too many nutrition facts at once. The plate, unveiled Thursday with first lady Michelle Obama in attendance, is simpler. And it gives diners an idea of what should be on their plates when they sit down at the dinner table.

©2011 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.


Activity Tips
UVA Children's Fitness Clinic Activity Tips:

1. Boycott Elevators - See how many stairs you can run in one day, and watch you pedometer numbers soar!

2. Break Up Your Workout - We all need 60 minutes of activity every day. Break it down into six 10-minutes spurts of chores (vacuuming, sweeping, shoveling, gardening, etc). Try walking, Wii, biking, hula hoop, soccer, or whatever your favorite sport is. Take a break from TV by moving during commercials. Dance, run in place, jump rope - get your blood pumping!

3. Have You Sweated Today? - Sweat can be a good indicator of how hard we are exercising. See if you can make yourself sweat every day.

4. Walk While Texting

5. Hills Are Our Friends - Walking uphill can burn up to twice as many calories as walking on flat surfaces! Fin a hill to conquer near your home or school!

Source: Angie Hasemann, Clinical Dietitian, UVA Children's Fitness Clinic

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