You wouldn't think a brightly colored placemat for kids would do much to counteract childhood obesity, but Otter Tail County Public Health is hoping it will be just the thing to get parents and children to think more about what and how much they eat.

Otter Tail County Public Health is utilizing the new "My Plate" design, which the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services created to replace the Pyramid.

"The 'My Plate' design is so new that we were unable to purchase materials geared for children so we had to make our own," said Marion Kershner, the family health nursing supervisor for Otter Tail County Public Health.

They decided to design a placemat that highlighted the new suggested portion sizes, and a chart that shows how to determine these sizes.

"The nurses are finding the placemats to be very useful in having conversations with parents and children about healthy food choices and portion sizes," Kershner said.

Download your own My Plate placemat below.