What is MyPlate?

MyPlate is a tool that helps you build a healthy eating routine and make better choices.

Learn how much you need from each food group with your personalized MyPlate Plan based on your age, sex, height, weight, and physical activity level.

The things you eat can make an impact on how you feel. That's why it is important that we:

MyPlate icon with green placemat showing the five food groups: 1/4 of plate shaded red to represent fruits, 1/4 of plate shaded green to represent vegetables, 1/4 of plate shaded purple to respresent protein, 1/4 of plate shaded brown to represent grains, and one cup shaded blue to represent dairy

Build a Healthy Plate

Before you eat, think about what goes on your plate or in your cup or bowl. Foods like vegetables, fruits, whole grains, low-fat dairy products, and lean protein foods contain the nutrients you need without too many calories. Try some of these options.

Make half your plate fruits and vegetables.
Switch to skim or 1% milk.
Make at least half your grains whole.
Vary your protein food choices.
Keep your food safe to eat - learn more at www.FoodSafety.gov.

Cut back on foods high in solid fats, added sugars, and salt

Many people eat foods with too much solid fats, added sugars, and salt (sodium). Added sugars and fats load foods with extra calories you don't need. Too much sodium may increase your blood pressure.

Choose foods and drinks with little or no added sugars.
Look out for salt (sodium) in foods you buy - it all adds up.
Eat fewer foods that are high in solid fats.

Eat the right amount of calories for you

Everyone has a personal calorie limit. Staying within yours can help you get to or maintain a healthy weight. People who are successful at managing their weight have found ways to keep track of how much they eat in a day, even if they don't count every calorie.

Enjoy your food, but eat less.
Cook more often at home, where you are in control of what's in your food.
When eating out, choose lower calorie menu options.
Write down what you eat to keep track of how much you eat.
If you drink alcoholic beverages, do so sensibly - limit to 1 drink a day for women or to 2 drinks a day for men.

Get Started on the MyPlate App

Be physically active your way!

Pick activities that you like and start by doing what you can, at least 10 minutes at a time. Every bit adds up, and the health benefits increase as you spend more time being active.

Need some extra motivation?

View our exercise resources for inspiration

Healthy Living Tips for Parents

What you eat and drink and your level of physical activity are important for your own health, and also for your children's health. You are your children's most important role model. Your children pay attention to what you do more than what you say.

You can do a lot to help your children develop healthy habits for life by providing and eating healthy meals and snacks. For example, don't just tell your children to eat their vegetables - show them that you eat and enjoy vegetables every day.