A User’s Guide for best using the MyPlate Portion Control MyPlate!

myplate plate with dairy bowl

MyPlate Portion Control Plate

The MyPlate Portion Control Plate is a health-focussed tool designed to help you build nutrient-dense meals. It provides sectioned off areas to aid in the creation of portion controlled eating that aligns with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and MyPlate model.

This page offers additional information that can help you best utilize your portion control plate and follow the MyPlate method of eating.

Examples of Easy Meals to Make

Here are some examples of meals that can be made following the portion control plate’s guidance of 25% vegetables, 25% fruits, 25% grains, and 25% protein. Each meal example is simple and utilizes whole foods.

Make Your Own Meal Combinations

Use the chart below to create interesting and balance meals on your portion control plate.

Protein Options

Grain Options

Vegetable Options

Fruit Options

Grilled Chicken

White Rice

Roasted Bell Pepper

Strawberries

Crockpot Chicken

Brown Rice

Broccoli

Banana

Shrimp

Quinoa

Cucumber

Raspberries

Tuna

Popcorn

Green Salad

Blackberries

Salmon

Pretzels

Green Beans

Blueberries

Lean Ground Beef

Noodles

Peas

Apples

Ground Turkey

Toast

Zucchini & Yellow Squash

Grapes

Ground Chicken

Tortilla

Asparagus

Oranges

Lean Sausage

Bagel

Mushrooms

Mangoes

Eggs/ Egg Whites

Bread Roll/Croissant

Cauliflower Rice

Peaches

Tofu

Crackers

Avocado

Watermelon

White Fish

Cereal

Carrots

Cantaloupe

Tempeh

Bread

Corn

Cherries

Legumes (lentils, beans, chickpeas, peanuts, etc.)

Oatmeal/Oats

Kale, Lettuce, Spinach, Romaine, Cabbage, etc.

Kiwi

Ham

Couscous

Brussel Sprouts

Pineapple

Cooked Turkey

Chips

Celery

Pomegranates

Deli Meat

Tostadas

Eggplant

Plums

Greek Yogurt

Whole Wheat Pasta

Potatoes/Sweet Potatoes

Apricots

Cottage Cheese

Muffins

Tomatoes

Pears

Seafood (scallops, crab, crawfish, etc.)

Waffles

Onion

Coconut

Protein Bar/Shake

Pancakes

Root vegetables (beets, turnips, parsnips, radishes, etc.)

Grapefruit

Frequently Asked Questions

Click on the question to view the expanded answer.

The MyPlate method is a USDA-established approach to healthy eating that advocates for getting adequate amounts of all 5 food groups: Fruits, Vegetables, Grains, Proteins, and Dairy. It uses a plate with colorful sectioned off areas to demonstrate healthy portion sizes for each of the food groups.

Using the Product: The MyPlate Portion Control Plate is a product modeled after the MyPlate method. It is divided into 4 sections, with slightly smaller fruit and protein sections combined with slightly larger vegetable and grain areas. Though the plate itself doesn’t feature a dairy section, users are encouraged to add dairy to their diet either in a separate bowl, cup, or topping somewhere on the plate. This helps users create balanced meals that comply with their dietary restrictions.

A great way to spice up your meals is to mix and match your veggies, grains, fruit, and protein sources. Additionally, it can help to incorporate low calorie flavor add-ins such as:

  • fresh herbs
  • spices
  • mustard
  • sour cream
  • pesto
  • marinara
  • low cal bbq sauce
  • hot sauce
  • maple syrup
  • citrus juice
  • honey
  • sriracha
  • and more!!

Yes! The MyPlate Portion Control Plate  is made from safe, sturdy plastic that’s dishwasher-safe, microwave-safe, and free from BPA, pthalates, and melamine.

The MyPlate Portion Control Plate is designed to support you and your clients/students in making real diet changes. It helps users learn…

  • To make half their plates fruits and vegetables.
  • To aim for balance.
  • To prepare food at home.
  • That eating healthy food doesn’t have to be complicated.
  • That success is possible!

It truly is a simple solution that offers visual reminders that encourage the user to eat a healthy portion of all the food groups.