USDA revamps food pyramid

Waistlines across the country have grown steadily since the 1992 release of the Food Guide Pyramid, prompting the government to give the pyramid a major makeover.

The one-size fits all approach was scrapped, food groups were turned on their sides, and a staircase was added to represent the importance of exercise when following the new MyPyramid dietary guide.

MyPyramid is actually a set of 12 pyramids—each reflecting a different daily calorie level. Based on age, gender and activity, an individual is assigned a calorie level, or specific MyPyramid, right for him or her. While a glance at the MyPyramid logo gives an idea of the recommended proportion of foods from each group to eat daily (each food group is assigned a color), a personalized MyPyramid includes specific portions.

Portion measurements differ between MyPyramid and the old Food Guide Pyramid. They are measured in cups, ounces, and teaspoons rather than “servings” as they were before. The 2005 Dietary Guidelines recommended this change because scientists and dieticians found that a “serving” was difficult for many to conceptualize.

MyPyramid incorporates many recommendations from the 2005 Dietary Guidelines such as making half of the daily grain consumption whole grain, limiting juice, and choosing lean meat and poultry. Like the 2005 Dietary Guidelines, MyPyramid is designed for people age 2 years and up.

The MyPyramid website is full of tips for making gradual dietary changes, fitting with the MyPyramid slogan: “Steps to a Healthier You.”  Many nutrition tools such a progress chart are available, and visiting the website is currently the best way for people to review their own, personalized MyPyramid.

Food companies have announced, that they aim to reach 4 million students by distributing both English and Spanish MyPyramid posters to teachers and parents in the fall. A child-friendly version of MyPyramid, designed for those ages 6 to 11 years old, is being developed with targeted messages about the importance of smart eating and activity choices.