Final answer:
The USDA developed MyPlate as an improvement over MyPyramid to provide a user-friendly visual guide for creating balanced meals according to the 2015-2020 U.S. Dietary Guidelines. MyPlate emphasizes the importance of proportioning the five food groups: vegetables, fruits, grains, proteins, and dairy, for a well-balanced meal.
Step-by-step explanation:
In response to limitations of MyPyramid, the USDA developed an alternative called MyPlate. MyPlate was introduced in 2011 by the United States Department of Agriculture as a more intuitive visual guide for healthy eating. Unlike its predecessor, MyPyramid, MyPlate provides a straightforward representation of how to balance a meal by depicting the relative proportions of different food groups, which are vegetables, fruits, grains, proteins, and dairy.
The layout suggests that half of your plate should consist of fruits and vegetables, with the remaining half divided between whole grains and proteins, complemented by a serving of dairy.
MyPlate is aligned with the 2015-2020 U.S. Dietary Guidelines and emphasizes five key factors for a healthful diet: adequacy, balance, calorie control, moderation, and variety. The overall calorie needs of an individual can be influenced by factors such as activity level, gender, age, and weight. MyPlate is a user-friendly tool that aims to help Americans of all ages develop healthier eating habits and maintain a balanced diet.