http://www.thepacker.com/fruit-vegetable-news/USDA-to-raise-curtain-on-new-food-icon-122741774.html ---link. The 20 yr old food pyramid is about to be replaced bye another icon,later this week. It's expected that it's going to be replaced with a dinner plate icon. This article basically goes into detail about it. Does it really matter what food symbol the goverment has,people are going to eat what they want. I know alot of people,with this same attitude. You also have the first lady's get fit campaign. I personally think all of this is just an example of big daddy govment thinking they know what's best. If I want to eat like a slob and gain weight,then that's my right. If I want to eat the burger and fries all of the time,that's my decision. So,what do you guys think? Is this just another example of the govment over-reaching?

Nah.  The government overreaching would be them taxing unhealthy food.

Educating people on what they should eat... that's what the government should be trying to do.

Not sure how the plate is supposed to be better then the pyramid though.  It might just cause people to eat taller cuts of meat.

believe me,if they've talked about taxing unehealthy food,but nothings come of it. Everybody knows what they should eat,but people are going to eat what they want regardless,so the govment should stay out and go to hell. yeah!!!!!!!!!!!

If they taxed unhealthy food, that will reduce the number of unhealthy food being bought and eaten. Externaltities are a controversial topic, but I think it exists. People don't care about the cost incurred to the nation as a result of higher health problems from eating an unhealthy diet. Taxing them would apply that cost to them.

In doing so you are restricting peoples rights by penalizing them for their life choices.

Peoples rights exceed states rights.

If you don't like the nation incuring costs from eating an unhealthy diet... then don't have the government pay for peoples healthcare.

I agree with line 1 & 2

I think the plate helps better visualise the portions and ratios you should have of each food group at a meal

Taxing unhealthy food is no way forward.  Reducing the cost of healthy food is the way to go.   Food is going up in price on a constant basis but the one food that stays the same is junk food.  Most families are unable to feed their children a healthy diet just due to the cost.  Raising the price of unhealthy food will just starve families.

it should be the combination of the McDondals M, KFC, Taco Bell and other major fast food places symbols. 

I can't even afford fast food anymore. That shits up to about 8 dollars a meal where I live. -.-

Dollar Menu FTW!!!!

They're not doing it to force you or anything (obviously) just a lot of people need education and guidence on this sort of thing.