Plate Replaces Pyramid in USDA Food Guidelines

The pyramid guide to healthy eating that many Americans grew up with has been scrapped, and in its place the Obama administration is serving up a dinner plate icon sliced up by food groups.

The Department of Agriculture unveiled its new icon, MyPlate, on Thursday to help guide Americans toward eating balanced meals. The dinner plate is divided into four sections for fruits, vegetables, protein and grains, with a dairy cup beside it.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack called it a "simple, visual, research-based icon" to help Americans chose the right proportions from the major food groups.

The icon, which accompanies dietary guidelines released in January and a push by first lady Michelle Obama to tackle obesity, will be taught in schools and used as part of federal foods programs and by doctors and nurses.