God only knows how many taxpayer dollars were flushed down the toilet on this.

(NYDN) — A graphic interpretation of recent changes to the US dietary guidelines shows that the average American adheres to the national food guide MyPlate just seven days out of the year.

Using its National Eating Trends statistics, which have been tracking the eating and drinking habits of US consumers for 30 years, market research company the NPD Group found that only two percent of Americans’ diets — equal to about seven days a year — come close to the US Department of Agriculture’s new dietary guidelines launched this summer.

Analysts defined “MyPlate days” based on consumers who achieved at least 70 percent of the daily recommended intake for dairy, fruit, grains, proteins and vegetables on the same day. The report was released Tuesday.

Furthermore, the few times Americans were found to meet nutritional requirements, data showed that they were also likely to consume more than three meals a day.

First Lady Michelle Obama launched the new plate icon this year, replacing the decades-old food pyramid.

HT: Jay