I think both the pyramid and the plate are a bit confusing, especially without additional resources. It will be interesting to see how other countries respond to this change, especially since, as Joann pointed out below, meals are not always consumed on a plate.

Well we all need our cakes and pies now and again. Maybe the sweets section is there, but it's just so small we can't see it.

The only thing I can tell with any certainty though, is that we should eat more vegetables than fruits, and more grains than protein. How much more, or the relationship between any other food groups, is anyone's guess.

Still, I don't think it's a bad idea to get an image like this into children's minds, as long as more information is provided. Maybe, instead of clicking on a section and only seeing examples of foods, it would be better if they gave some actual numbers.

Actually, the more I look at it, the more that plate (with its sectioned off and solid color parts) reminds me of the pureed food we used to serve at the nursing home where I worked just after high school.

Mmm pureed purple goop.

I think myplate is a step in the right direction. I agree with Josh, that the visual might help kids begin to understand the concept of "healthy eating." Still, I wish it gave examples of the types of foods on the graphic itself. Also, it might be hard to translate these unclear proportions to meals that aren't always eaten on a plate (like breakfast).

I agree with Jo that the visual lacks context... I would hate to live in a world were we could only eat 5 colors on a plate! Boring!

This effort is definitely not perfect, but for the first time, fruits and veggies (food groups with the weakest lobbying groups) have the biggest real-estate! That is a major win. I did think the "dairy" group was a glass of water... hmmm.