Learning ZoneXpress Unveils USDA MyPlate Products to Use in the Classroom

OWATONNA, Minn., June 4, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Yesterday First Lady Michelle Obama and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack unveiled the federal government's new food icon, MyPlate, to serve as a reminder to help all of us make healthier food choices. In response, Learning ZoneXpress, Inc. immediately designed USDA MyPlate products using the new icon which inspire consumers to build a healthy plate at mealtime. The new MyPlate icon emphasizes the fruit, vegetable, grain, protein and dairy food groups.

Melanie Nelson, former FACS (Family and Consumer Science) teacher and owner of Learning ZoneXpress, Inc., a company that develops educational products to teach nutrition and healthy living says, "The new plate icon is a powerful image for young people. Our 1 Great Plate TM series has been popular for a year, and Learning ZoneXpress, Inc will have the new USDA MyPlate icon available in products by the end of the day, June 3."

The 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, issued by the USDA in January of this year, form the basis of the federal government's nutrition and education programs, federal assistance programs and dietary advice provided by health and nutrition professionals.

The Guidelines' messages include: Balance Calories, Foods to Increase and Foods to Reduce. The recommendations are:

1) Physical activity of 30 minutes per day for all ages, 60 minutes per day for children and teens and 60-90 minutes for those who want to lose weight.

2) Choose nutrient rich foods: vegetables, fruits and whole grains, fat-free or low-fat milk and milk products, seafood, lean meats and poultry, eggs, beans and peas, nuts and seeds.

3) Limit the intake of: sodium, solid fats, added sugars and refined grains.

These recommended guidelines are intended as an integrated set of advice to achieve an overall healthy eating pattern. The new food icon is meant to be a simple easy reminder for families, children and nutrition professionals.

For more information visit www.ChooseMyPlate.gov or www.learningzonexpress.com

Learning ZoneXpress, based in Owatonna, Minn., is a leading source of "edu-taining" and award-winning teaching tools. Its mission is to help improve the health and vitality of children by providing relevant, creative and affordable learning tools about life skills, healthy behaviors and nutrition. Learning ZoneXpress offers a wide variety of affordable education DVDs, posters, games, lesson plans, and PowerPoint presentations. They are dedicated to responsive and personalized customer care. For more information about Learning ZoneXpress products, visit www.learningzonexpress.com or call Linnea Duffus at 888-455-7003.

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SOURCE Learning ZoneXpress