The Great Plate
Patients looking for an even more simplistic approach may benefit from a pictorial example such as "The Great Plate" developed by the dietitians at the University of Michigan (22). This easy-to-follow plan reminds patients to make half of their plate vegetables while the other half is again split in two sections to house meats and proteins in one fourth and breads, starches, and whole grains in the other. The meal is completed with side servings of fruits and low-fat or no-fat dairy. The picture clearly shows healthy proteins, grains, and dairy examples but patients will need to be reminded of making healthy choices in these categories.