Goodbye, Food Guide Pyramid. Mr. Pyramid, you've had a good run, but your place is now inside the history books - we appreciate your efforts in keeping Americans healthy. There's a new graphic in town that's gonna try to improve on your healthy diet messaging.
Well, I'm hear Kingsville, Texas on a very interesting food investigation (future post!) so I was unable to join the news conference yesterday on the unveiling of the new USDA's MyPlate, which is the new icon that replaces the MyPyramid graphic.
The MyPlate was rolled out with the intention of educating the new 2010 USDA Dietary Guidelines (just like the MyPyramid attempted in the past guidelines). The key messages here are:
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| Introducing MyPlate - the USDA MyPyramid replacement. |
Balancing Calories
- Enjoy your food but eat less.
- Avoid oversized portions
- Make half your plate fruits and vegetables
- Make at least half of your grains whole
- Switch to fat-free or low-fat (1% milk)
- Compare sodium in foods like soup, bread, and frozen meals ? and choose the foods with lower numbers.
- Drink water instead of sugary drinks.
PROS: The MyPlate graphic reminds me of the Idaho Plate Method that has been out for years. In the past, I have used it with my adult weight management patients and it works very well. In fact, I used to give out compartment plates to them so they could practice loading their plate appropriately. This visual helped patients not only eat the right types of foods, but give them an idea of portion size for each food group. So this MyPlate visual is something I really appreciate as a clinician, and one that I believe will translate better to consumers.
I also like how the USDA has produced some printable aids that further allow consumers to understand and put the MyPlate into practice. Their Let's Eat For the Health of It provides practical tips that families can use. The 10 Tip Series is an educational set that delves deeper into the key messages of the 2010 Dietary Guidelines. They can be viewed online or printed for future reference. I am pleased that the Get a Personalized Plan feature was not pulled off the new website, which is now http://www.choosemyplate.com/. I used this feature with the old MyPyramid plan and it really helps people see how much of each food group they need for proper nutrition. This personalized information can be integrated into the new graphic as well.
No information on this site should be used to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any disease or condition.
About Angela Lemond
Angela is a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) and co-owner of Lemond Nutrition. Angela has been a nutrition media spokesperson for over 16 years with 9 of those years being a national spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (2011-2021).
Angela still sees patients two days per week. Her specialty areas are clinical pediatrics, digestive health, wellness and behavioral nutrition (prevention and treatment of eating disorders). Angela realizes that behavioral health status is a big influencer in the individual's relationship with food and eating. She loves supporting individuals and involving discussion across the family unit. Angela is a strong proponent of the promotion of health and wellness regardless of body size. Gentle nutrition guidance versus a strict, black and white regimen is her philosophy.
Angela is a graduate of the University of Texas Southwestern coordinated dietetics program where she entered the food and nutrition profession as a second career professional. Angela is currently working on her master's in clinical mental health counseling and is working to be a dual role practitioner as a licensed professional counselor (LPC). She looks forward to creating more patient / client therapy in the food and mood space.
Nutrition advocacy and professional involvement is important to Angela. She is actively involved in local, state and national legislative issues pertaining to food and nutrition support and coverage. Angela’s a member of the following professional groups:
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
--Academy Dietetic Practice Groups: Behavioral Health Nutrition (BHN) and Pediatric Nutrition (PN)
Texas Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals (IAEDP) – DFW Chapter
International Federation of Eating Disorders Dietitians
American Counseling Association
(student member)
Texas Counseling Association (student member)
Angela is an avid world traveler and explorer of rich cultures and diversity. She adores the outdoors, her husband of over 20 years (co-owner) and her two children - Hannah age 16 and Evan age 13.
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A note from Angela:
It is my honor that you came to visit our website! If you are looking for nutrition services for you, your child, family or even if you are looking to hire us for a wellness presentation or write an article - it's important to me that you know some background on what drives our company's passion. When it comes to food and nutrition guidance, it needs to come from someone you know cares and understands.
Be sure to read our mission, vision and motto. We know that it's important that you know who you are putting your trust in to optimize your health. The staff here truly puts their heart into everything they do - each have unique skills, personalities and specialties.
Read more about my personal inspiration here.
We have have people that have gone before us and mentored us along the way. Be sure to thank them. I would like to give a special recognition for the those poignant people in my life here.
In Health & Wellness,
Angela Lemond, RDN, LD