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. She left a successful career in corporate marketing a in 2000 to pursue her love for nutrition. After graduating with honors from the University of Texas Southwestern coordinated dietetics program, she began her career at Children's Medical Center in Dallas (now Children's Health). She trained in all areas in the hospital before landing in cardiology then gastroenterology and eventually helped start the LEAN (Lifestyle, Exercise & Nutrition) Families program for overweight children. Angela started her private practice in 2008 and left Children's in 2009. Angela is Board Certified as a Specialist in Pediatric Nutrition. Most recently, she has co-authored and is certified as a LEAN Freedom dietitian coach.
After transitioning out of inpatient pediatrics, she started understanding the importance of wellness across the family unit. Angela loves to motivate all ages to show folks the power food has to help achieve their goals and purpose in life. Whether that be helping someone with a medical problem that food can provide therapy for, or for general wellness. The behavioral aspects of eating cannot be understated. Angela loves to coach her patients and clients on the what, when and how of eating well for their specific goals. Areas she feels the most passionate about are family wellness, eating disorder recovery and digestive issues.
Angela is a national spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, which is the 100,000 member professional organization for food and nutrition professionals across the world. Quoted nationally on hot nutrition topics, her specialties revolve around children, families and general wellness. She is serving as a media representative and Delegate for the Texas Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the 4,600-member Texas affiliate of the Academy.
Angela is married with two children - Hannah age 14 and Evan age 11.
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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, CSP, LD