The plate design created by the USDA Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion shows an easy way to make a quick, simple, and healthy meal. This was a much needed replacement of the outdated Food Pyramid.

Important Notes about using the plate method:

1. Use a 9 to 10 inch plate
2. Keep your proportions in mind it comes to the food groups
3. Dairy can be substituted with another calcium rich source
4. Vegetables should not be made primarily of starch (ie: corn or potatoes)