A Mindful Eater's reaction to the USDA's new plate

Graphic from USDA's Choose My Plate

The USDA has retired the Food Guide Pyramid in place of a plate. In a fit of frustration I just threw the plate against the wall.


I appreciate the plate's simplicity as well as greater respect for diverse food choices. There appears to be more inclusion with less dichotomy (ok, still some good vs bad foods mentioned in the fine print yet less than the Pyramids). I would love to see a hunger/fullness/satiety scale at the bottom of the graphic.


The plate graphic is followed by a few words of advice directing our food decisions.


Something in the directions stopped me dead in my tracks: "Enjoy your food, (YEAH! love this)

Here's where they lost a fan: "but eat less." (Plates crashing.)


While learning to become a counselor, I picked up a valuable word tool: the conjunctions we choose to connect thoughts have powerful implications. In counseling, the conjunction and provides agreement and inclusion with positive connotations. The conjunction but has dire results: it negates the phrase before it.


When I read Enjoy your food, but eat less I think:

• the government thinks we are not to be trusted.
• when enjoying food, sit tight: you've had too much.
• if you listen to your body, you will overeat. 

Even though obviously redundant, the USDA goes on to say, "Avoid oversized portions." Just in case.

If they asked me (hint hint), I would encourage the following revisions to the directions:

Enjoy your food mindfully.
Eat when experiencing hunger. Eat until your body is satisfied. 
Make time for meals. If you are part of a family, enjoy many meals together.
Sit at the table to eat. Set a peaceful meal time environment that promotes mindful eating.
Notice how you experience foods. Notice which help you feel stronger and more energized.
Notice which foods make you feel more sluggish and sleepy.
Let your body guide you toward nourishing foods.