MyPlate, the Federal Government's New Food Icon

Today in Washington, DC, First Lady Michelle Obama and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack unveiled MyPlate, a new food icon to replace the somewhat confusing 2005 "MyPyramid" image as the "government's primary food group symbol." For context, see the brief history of USDA food guides (PDF).

Looking like an undergrad design assignment circa 2003, the new MyPlate has gradients and bevels pretty much everywhere. MyPlate emphasizes fruits, vegetables, grains, protein, and dairy food groups. Missing from the plate: sugary drinks, french fries, and dessert, because that's how Michelle Obama rolls.

· Choose My Plate [USDA]