USDA MyPlate Guide: Healthy Meal Portions Explained
Author: Ian C. Langtree - Writer/Editor for Disabled World (DW)
Published: 2013/12/29 - Updated: 2026/01/31
Publication Type: Informative
Category Topic: Nutrition - Related Publications
Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main - Insights, Updates
Synopsis: This research from Cornell Food and Brand Lab examines early adoption patterns of the USDA's MyPlate nutrition guide among American mothers following its 2011 launch. The findings identify key predictors of MyPlate awareness and successful implementation, including prior nutritional knowledge, family involvement in meal preparation, and positive attitudes toward vegetables. Based on a national survey of 497 mothers, the study reveals that only 9% were familiar with MyPlate within three months of release, while 21% were somewhat familiar. The research offers practical value for families managing dietary needs, particularly households with members who have specific nutritional requirements or mobility limitations that make meal planning more challenging. The data-driven insights provide actionable strategies for improving family nutrition through child involvement in food preparation and gradual introduction of diverse vegetables - Disabled World (DW).
Introduction
Food preferences, cooking ability, involvement of children in food preparation, nutritional knowledge, and prior familiarity with MyPyramid were predictors of MyPlate awareness and use. Most Americans know about MyPyramid - the triangle depicting how many servings of each food group you should eat in a day - but who knows about MyPlate - the circle showing what a healthy meal looks like?
The current nutrition guide published by the United States Department of Agriculture, depicting a place setting with a plate and glass divided into five food groups. It replaced the USDA's MyPyramid guide. MyPlate is divided into sections of approximately 30 percent grains, 30 percent vegetables, 20 percent fruits and 20 percent protein, accompanied by a smaller circle representing dairy, such as a glass of low-fat/nonfat milk or a yogurt cup. MyPlate will be displayed on food packaging and used in nutrition education in the United States.
Main Content
MyPlate was created in 2011 by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to help American consumers put the Dietary Guidelines into practice. It's a simple, colorful icon that prompts us to think about what's on our plate, illustrating healthy proportions of fruit, vegetables, grains, protein, and dairy within a single meal.
Dr. Brian Wansink of Cornell University and Dr. Sibylle Kranz of Purdue University wanted to find out who "got the memo" about MyPlate first - that is, who became familiar with MyPlate within 3 months of its release. In particular, the researchers were interested in mothers, who play the role of "nutritional gatekeeper" in most families, and what traits these trend-setting mothers had in common with each other. A national on-line survey was completed by 497 moms, ranging in age from 18 to 65, including questions about their demographics, knowledge, attitudes, and behavior.
MyPlate - Consumer Messages
Of these:
- 497 moms, 46 moms were familiar with MyPlate (9% of those surveyed)
- 105 were somewhat familiar (21%),
- 349 were not familiar (70%).
Some Interesting Patterns Emerged
- First, moms were more likely to be familiar with MyPlate if they already knew about MyPyramid.
- Second, moms who found MyPlate easy to understand and relevant to their lives were more likely to see its potential to help their families eat better.
- Third, moms who adopted MyPlate were more likely to be "vegetable lovers" and to involve their kids in preparing family meals. Moms loved veggies for a variety of reasons - not only because they are good for you, but also because they can improve the taste of the entrees they're served with and make meals feel like special family occasions.
So, what can the rest of us learn from these trend-setting MyPlate moms?
Recommendations
- Involve kids in meal preparation. This doesn't just mean cooking - kids can also make grocery lists, clip coupons, and set and clear the table.
- Don't just tell your kids to eat their veggies - show them that you do too. Make it a family priority to try new vegetables or new recipes for familiar ones. Who knows, you may become a vegetable lover!
For Americans who eat out or on-the-go, there are strategies for keeping MyPlate in mind while navigating restaurant menus.
Insights, Analysis, and Developments
Editorial Note: The MyPlate system represents a significant shift from its predecessor MyPyramid, moving from abstract serving recommendations to a concrete visual that mirrors what's actually on your dinner plate. What makes this guide particularly valuable is its simplicity - anyone can glance at their plate and quickly assess whether they're meeting nutritional guidelines without calculations or conversions. For families dealing with dietary restrictions, chronic conditions, or limited mobility that affects grocery shopping and meal prep, the straightforward visual approach removes barriers to better nutrition. The research findings about involving children in meal preparation and building positive relationships with vegetables offer a roadmap that extends beyond basic nutrition into sustainable lifestyle changes that benefit entire households across generations - Disabled World (DW).
Author Credentials: Ian is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Disabled World, a leading resource for news and information on disability issues. With a global perspective shaped by years of travel and lived experience, Ian is a committed proponent of the Social Model of Disability-a transformative framework developed by disabled activists in the 1970s that emphasizes dismantling societal barriers rather than focusing solely on individual impairments. His work reflects a deep commitment to disability rights, accessibility, and social inclusion. To learn more about Ian's background, expertise, and accomplishments, visit his full biography.