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The MyPlate graphic from the United States Department of Agriculture replaced the former Food Pyramid. The graphic shows a dinner plate, which is divided in half. One half of the plate is composed of fruits and vegetables, and the other half grains and proteins.
This summer, consider adapting your family's eating habits to mimic the MyPlate graphic. Although most on-the-go families don't eat that many fruits and vegetables, it's easy to do, especially if you plant a garden and buy from local farmers markets. For more information, visit www.fruitsandveggiesmatter.gov.
When you grow your own fruits and vegetables, it can help save time and money, but the benefits go much deeper. Growing fresh produce is a rewarding experience that provides your family with quick and healthy alternatives to snack foods. Even a finicky child will most likely eat a carrot or snack on some salsa from their very own garden.
When you're ready to harvest your produce, start planning menus that will make good use of your garden's growth. And don't forget about the USDA's MyPlate proportion recommendation.
-- ARA
