Here's hoping new 'plate' helps more of us eat healthy

Malcom Gladwell's 2000 book, "The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference," described how small changes can have big results.

Michelle Obama and the folks at the USDA are hoping the new "MyPlate" illustration will provide the tipping point that causes more Americans to eat a healthier balanced diet.

We don't know if it will work, but we do know the new illustration will be a lot easier to follow than the old "pyramid" from 1991. Officials knew that wasn't working, and substituted a new pyramid with vertical lines of color and a stick figure walking up a staircase to symbolize exercise.

The new symbol will be easy to bring to mind everytime we sit down to eat. When we look at our plate, a little more than a fourth each should be covered with grains and vegetables, and slightly less than a quarter each should contain fruit and proteins. Off to the side is a serving of dairy, which could be low-fat milk, yogurt or cheese. The protein portion can include meat, seafood, beans or vegetarian choices like tofu.

The ChooseMyPlate.gov website includes common-sense advice such as:

* Enjoy your food, but eat less

* Avoid oversized portions

* Make half your plate fruits and vegetables

* Switch to fat-free or low-fat (1 percent) milk.

* Make at least half your grains whole grains.

* Compare sodium in foods like soup, bread and frozen meals -- and choose foods with lower numbers.

* Drink water instead of sugary drinks.

Some have been looking at the new chart in vain for the chocolate, fats and alcohol on the chart, and it will be hard to follow by peering into the bottom of a sack of fast food.

But it can be a good reminder of the need for a balanced diet every time we sit down to eat.