1.  In 2011 the “food pyramid” became a plate called MyPlate to provide a fast and easy reminder of a healthy diet.  The plate has several purposes: 1. Show portion size 2. Show variety and each food group 3. Show that fruits/vegetables make up half the plate

2. Food Groups shown on MyPlate: Fruits, Grains, Vegetables, Dairy, and Protein. Why is balanced diet important?:  Controlling weight  Staying healthy/preventing disease

3.  A well balanced diet provides energy and nutrition for optimal growth and development. Failure to do so can cause muscle irritation, skin irregularities, growth and development problems, anemia, suppressed brain function and nervous system and other serious health concerns  You should eat 3 ounces of grain per day, 3 cups of dairy, 2.5 cups of fruits and 2 cups of vegetables.  21-38 grams of fiber is recommended per day, most people eat less than 15 grams.

4.  Fruits: apples, bananas, grapes oranges, avocados, raisins, 100% fruit juice.  Vegetables: broccoli, carrots, green beans, lettuce, tomatoes, 100% vegetable juice.  Grains: whole-grain bread, cereal, pasta, so on  Protein: beef, pork, chicken, eggs, peanuts, beans  Dairy: milk, cheese, yogurt

5. http://www.choosemyplate.gov/tipsresour ces/tentips.html  The choose MyPlate website offers many “10 Tips” pages which are easy to follow tips in a printable format.

6. 10 Tips includes essential skills for healthy eating including: 1. Eating more fruits/vegetables 2. Eating only Whole grains 3. Getting your daily dose of dairy 4. Cutting back on sweets 5. Limiting salt

7.  http://www.choosemyplate.gov/tipsreso urces/tentips.html http://www.choosemyplate.gov/tipsreso urces/tentips.html  http://healthy.nytimes.com/health/guid es/nutrition/balanced- diet/overview.html http://healthy.nytimes.com/health/guid es/nutrition/balanced- diet/overview.html  http://kidshealth.org/kid/stay_healthy/fo od/pyramid.html http://kidshealth.org/kid/stay_healthy/fo od/pyramid.html  http://www.livestrong.com/article/21653 8-why-is-it-important-to-eat-a-balanced- diet/ http://www.livestrong.com/article/21653 8-why-is-it-important-to-eat-a-balanced- diet/