How it Functions:

• A nutrition guide is a reference that provides nutrition advice for general health, typically by dividing foods into food groups and recommending servings of each group.
• USDA Nutrition facts and guides can be presented in written or visual form, and are commonly published by government agencies, health associations and university health departments.

Previous USDA Nutrition Food Guides Include:

• Basic 7 (1943–1956),
• the Basic Four (1956–1992),
• the Food Guide Pyramid (1992–2005),
• and MyPyramid (2005–2011).
• And now MyPlate, a plate icon divided into approximately 30 percent grains, 30 percent vegetables, 20 percent fruits and 20 percent protein, accompanied by a smaller circle representing dairy.

Recommendations:

Additional recommendations in the USDA nutrition information include enjoying food but eating less, avoid oversized portions, make at least half of grains whole, switch to fat-free or low-fat milk, choose foods with less sodium, and drink water instead of sugary drinks.