First Lady unveils new Plate program to beat Childhood Obesity
By: Carolyn Donaldson
Updated: June 6, 2011
The First Lady show us how a plate is now at the center of beating the childhood obesity problem.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - First Lady Michelle Obama and the U.S. Department of Agriculture have unveiled a new healthy eating icon that will replace the food pyramid.
The First Lady explains, "When it comes to eating, what's more useful than a plate? More simple than a plate? This is a quick, simple reminder for all of us to be more mindful of the foods that we're eating, and as a Mom I can already tell you how much this is going to help parents all across the country."
The new symbol, called "My Plate," is a simple circle divided into quadrants for fruits, vegetables, protein and grains.
"Kids can learn how to use this tool now and they can use it for the rest of their lives."
USDA officials say the food pyramid, which has been around since 1992, was tired out and too complex for busy families.
Speaking at an unveiling ceremony Thursday June 2nd In Washington, D.C., Mrs. Obama said the new plate is a simple tool that kids can learn to use. She said as a busy mom herself she knows the new symbol will help families make healthier choices.
"So this is something that I am really excited about because I'm confident that families will find this useful and they'll find it useful right away."
For more information on the new choose my plate program, head here.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - First Lady Michelle Obama and the U.S. Department of Agriculture have unveiled a new healthy eating icon that will replace the food pyramid.
The First Lady explains, "When it comes to eating, what's more useful than a plate? More simple than a plate? This is a quick, simple reminder for all of us to be more mindful of the foods that we're eating, and as a Mom I can already tell you how much this is going to help parents all across the country."
The new symbol, called "My Plate," is a simple circle divided into quadrants for fruits, vegetables, protein and grains.
"Kids can learn how to use this tool now and they can use it for the rest of their lives."
USDA officials say the food pyramid, which has been around since 1992, was tired out and too complex for busy families.
Speaking at an unveiling ceremony Thursday June 2nd In Washington, D.C., Mrs. Obama said the new plate is a simple tool that kids can learn to use. She said as a busy mom herself she knows the new symbol will help families make healthier choices.
"So this is something that I am really excited about because I'm confident that families will find this useful and they'll find it useful right away."
For more information on the new choose my plate program, head here.
