Whether I’m eating lunch here at the office or grabbing a bite from a local restaurant, I like to put my food on a plate. It makes it easier to see what I’m eating and just how big my portions are—much like MyPlate, the USDA’s new diagram. MyPlate will replace the Food Pyramid, which has been helping guide Americans’ nutrition choices for nearly 20 years. The new graphic is straightforward and simple. The plate shape is divided into sections for proteins, grains, vegetables, and fruit, with a smaller circle on the side for dairy.

Based on the prevalence of obesity in the U.S., this easy-to-understand approach can be an important tool. “This is a quick, simple reminder for all of us to be more mindful of the foods that we’re eating and as a mom, I can already tell how much this is going to help parents across the country,” said First Lady Michelle Obama.

Half of the plate should consist of fruits and vegetables, which contain important nutrients, vitamins, and fiber. For more on fiber, view the Mayo Clinic’s tips and recipes. It’s easy to include pears on your plate, from salads and desserts to soups and sandwiches. Visit our website to view our recipe gallery.

Stay tuned—we’re developing more ideas to help you put pears on your plate!