MyPlate is filled with great advice, and today I want to summarize some of the highlights!Variety is Key:One of the themes that you will see over and over in MyPlate’s educational materials is the importance of variety. Yes, there are 5 main food groups, but there are lots of different foods in each one. Just because the proportions don’t change doesn’t mean that the content shouldn’t. Be sure to keep the choices nutrient dense and in reasonable portions and you’ll be building a healthy plate.Make Small Shifts:Another key message from MyPlate is the importance of making small shifts in order to create a healthier eating style. This is very closely in line with the recommendations from the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, as are most of MyPlate’s messages.You don’t have to upend all your eating habits in order to start building a healthy eating pattern. Instead, make small changes that you know you can sustain over time and build from there.Build a Healthy Eating Style:Yet another key to MyPlate is bringing all the pieces together to form a healthy eating style. This means choosing proper portions of nutritious foods in enough variety to meet your nutrient needs. A healthy eating style is also low in sodium, saturated fat, and added sugars.Why? Well, according to the USDA, “Eating fewer calories from foods high in saturated fat and added sugars can help you manage your calories and prevent overweight and obesity. Most of us eat too many foods that are high in saturated fat and added sugar. Eating foods with less sodium can reduce your risk of high blood pressure.” Plus, these empty calories and sodium have been linked to an increased risk of chronic disease.These lessons are excerpted from the popular MyPlate for Educators online course. For additional amazing materials just like this one, check out the class today! It comes with hours for your CPE credits and a certificate of completion, along with lots of fresh new MyPlate resources!And here's a free handout with a few of these key lessons.Finally, last but not least, here are some other MyPlate resources you might enjoy...[shopify embed_type="product" shop="nutrition-education-store.myshopify.com" product_handle="myplate-wall-decals-walloons-set-of-8-wall-decals-set-of-6" show="all"][shopify embed_type="product" shop="nutrition-education-store.myshopify.com" product_handle="myplate-12-x-36-salad-bar-sign-or-standing-table-sign" show="all"][shopify embed_type="product" shop="nutrition-education-store.myshopify.com" product_handle="my-plate-poster" show="all"]