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The Five Parts of MyPlate

There are five parts that make up MyPlate:

-          Fruits and Vegetables are two parts which portion sizes should take up half of the plate. Fruits and Vegetables are important in providing the body with many essential vitamins and minerals that help with things such as eye sight and healthy skin.

-          Protein, taking up a little less than a quarter of the plate, can be provided through many types of food such as meat, beans, and eggs. Adequate intake of protein will help children build strong muscles.

-          Grains, mostly in the whole grain form, take up a little more than a quarter of the plate. Whole grains are important to incorporate into a well-balanced diet in order to provide energy for children to play and be as active as they want to be as well as help your brain think.

-          Dairy, the final part of MyPlate, should be part of the daily diet, providing between 2 and 3 cups of dairy for children depending on their age. Dairy is not only provided through milk, but can be in the form of cheese, yogurt, or calcium-fortified soy milk; an adequate intake of dairy products provides calcium and vitamin D that helps kids form strong bones and teeth!