If you haven't heard yet, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) food pyramid that was our recommended healthy eating advice for 20 years is no longer. That's right, it's kaput, finished, out-of-here. Instead, the food pyramid has been replaced by a plate -- specifically called "MyPlate".

The USDA's MyPlate contains a visual icon that is supposed to represent your ideal plate. There are four neatly separated colored sections signaling fruits, vegetables, proteins, and grains. The way the plate is set up, a person should be filling at least half of his plate with fruits and vegetables. On the top right hand side of the plate, there's a smaller circle. This smaller circle is supposed to represent dairy products.

Besides the right portion sizes for your fruit, vegetables, proteins, and grains, the USDA is advocating several significant nutrition messages in conjunction with the MyPlate icon and campaign. For instance, the agency is recommending that people eat smaller portions overall, and avoid sugary drinks. The USDA also recommends making half of your daily grains consumption whole grains. In addition, the agency wants you to examine your sodium intake and choose products with lower sodium numbers. As far as dairy is concerned, switch to low fat (one percent preferred) or fat-free milk, instead of whole milk.

Nutrition experts are supporting the "MyPlate" icon. It tells people exactly what their plate should look like. Unlike the old pyramid that was complicated and confusing, the new MyPlate is simple and easier to understand. While the jury is still out, it's quite possible that some obese people didn't fully understand the old food pyramid. The new plate shows people that it's easy to eat healthy and shows them exactly how to do it.

Hmm, I don't see a image for alcohol anywhere on this icon though ...