* GE first to introduce new USDA MyPlate icon on microwave ovens
* MyPlate dietary guidelines/icon replaces 20-year-old Food Pyramid
LOUISVILLE, Ky.--20 September 2011-- A lot of people think eating healthy and convenience go together like oil and water, but eating healthier doesn't have to take a lot of time.
New 1.9 and 2.1 capacity GE over-the-range microwaves will include the USDA's new MyPlate feature beginning in September 2011. (Photo: GE)
"A little organization goes a long way when planning healthy meals," said Melissa Halas-Liang, registered dietitian and child nutrition expert. "Stocking up on healthy food staples, like whole grains, beans and nuts, and buying fresh produce are two easy steps to make healthy meal planning easier."
To help consumers prepare healthier meals, GE over-the-range microwave ovens now include a MyPlate button that allows users to easily cook foods found in the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) recommended dietary guidelines. For example, consumers can use GE's MyPlate feature to select a preset for cooking specific vegetables, such as fresh asparagus, frozen green beans, or numerous other options in each USDA MyPlate category -- fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins.
"Our goal with the MyPlate feature is to give consumers an easy way to choose and tastefully cook foods that are healthier for them, using graphics and instructions that are easy to understand," said Susan Gregory, product manager for GE microwaves. "Providing quality cooked food for a wide range of items is a huge part of the MyPlate feature."
The new MyPlate icon released by the USDA in June replaces the 20-year-old Food Pyramid. The MyPlate graphic illustrates a plate split into four sections, each representing recommended portions of basic food groups -- proteins, such as meats, seafood and vegetarian items like beans and tofu; whole grains, such as brown rice, oats and whole wheat; fruits and vegetables. Next to the plate is a small circle, which represents dairy products, such as milk, cheese or yogurt. MyPlate offers a quick and easy-to-understand representation of a balanced meal: one-half fruits and vegetables; one-fourth whole grains; one-fourth lean protein, and small portions of low-fat dairy products. MyPlate is based on the USDA's main dietary guidelines released in January.
"The new USDA guidelines encourage cooking more at home, exercising regularly to balance calories, avoiding oversized portions, increasing fruits and vegetables and whole grains, switching to low-fat dairy products, choosing heart-healthy fats, reducing sodium, and replacing sugary drinks with water," said Halas-Liang. "Eat more colorful whole foods like whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes and nuts. Eating a variety of foods across the color spectrum is a great way to add healthy foods to your diet all while following the new guidelines."
GE worked closely with the USDA to ensure the MyPlate feature in their cooking products is in step with dietary recommendations. New 1.9 and 2.1 capacity GE over-the-range microwaves will include the MyPlate feature beginning in September 2011.
About Melissa Halas-Liang, MA RD CDE, is a nationally recognized nutrition educator and wellness expert who provides nutrition resources to schools in 35 states through SuperKidsNutrition.com. Recently awarded California's Dietetic Association's (CDA) Excellence in Community Dietetics award, Melissa has over 15 years of diverse experience in media, writing, nutrition education/curriculum, clinical/critical care, nutrition management and counseling. Melissa holds a B.S. in Clinical Dietetics, a M.A. degree in Nutrition Education, is a Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Educator. She has the Certificate of Training for Childhood, Adolescent Weight Management, is a certified Wellness Coach, teaches nutrition on-line, and has authored two children's books with nutrition themes.
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Kim Freeman
GE Consumer & Industrial - Americas
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