As we watch and are inspired by Team USA's 2012 Olympic results in London, we can all take a cue from our team and strive to live a little more like athletes ourselves. A nutritious diet and regular physical activity are the building blocks to peak performance. This summer, MyPlate and Let’s Move! are encouraging Americans to make healthier eating choices and include physical activity into their daily routine to support Team USA and celebrate the Olympic Games.

ChooseMyPlate.gov can help answer your questions about nutrition, weight management, physical activity, food safety, and building healthier meals. The website can help you make daily food decisions by providing information about food groups and portions sizes, and offering simple recipes that reflect the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2010 recommendations. We encourage you to check out the 10 Tips Nutrition Education Series. Topics include “Eating Better on a Budget,” “Healthy Eating for Vegetarians,” and many more.

ChooseMyPlate.gov also includes the online interactive MyPlate application, SuperTracker. SuperTracker helps users easily plan, analyze, and record their daily diet and physical activity. The SuperTracker helps users take active, individual steps towards improving their health.

You can also use MyPlate’s community toolkit to encourage healthier lifestyles in your community. Check out our tips for getting your community moving: 

• Make Physical Activity Accessible: Offer regular programs and scheduled activities at your organization that include physical activity for adults and children.
• Promote Recreational Facilities: Partner with local community centers and schools to promote the use of recreation facilities, gymnasiums, playing fields, and playgrounds.
• Support Community Sports: Start a community sports league, intramural sport, or physical activity club that is accessible to everyone in your community.
• Try Walking or Riding for Routine Trips: Walk or bike with kids to school, places of worship, and other activities.

Here's some good nutritional advice. From the track & field dining room #letsmove! twitter.com/USAinUK/status…

— U.S. Embassy London (@USAinUK) July 26, 2012

MyPlate is helping Team USA eat to win!

MyPlate is a helpful reminder for us all to make healthier choices. So remember—this summer, make healthier food choices, stay active, and Go for the Gold with MyPlate and Let’s Move!

Dr. Robert Post is Deputy Director for USDA's Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion