Jan. 17-The US Dept. of Agriculture recently introduced MyPlate, a new guide to healthy eating. MyPlate replaces the old food pyramid, now recognized as giving inaccurate guidelines for a healthy food intake.

The USDA urges Americans at every meal to think about what – and how much – food goes on their plate. Every day, they should include foods from all 5 food groups: vegetables, fruits, whole grains, low-fat dairy products, and lean protein foods.

To maintain healthy eating, healthy weight and a healthy lifestyle, MyPlate recommends:

• Make half your plate fruits and vegetables
• Make at least half your grains whole grains
• Switch to skim or 1% milk
• Vary your protein food choices
• Cut  back on sodium and empty calories from solid fats and added sugars
• Drink water instead of sugary drinks
• Eat sweet desserts less often
• Only eat high-fat foods occasionally (cakes, cookies, pizza, cheese, hot dogs)
• Be physically active – an hour a day for children and 2½  hours a week for adults

For dietary guidelines, cooking tips, sample menus and recipes, a fruit and veggies video contest, and information about Michele Obama's Let's Move initiative, visit choosemyplate.gov.