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MyPyramid, released by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) on April 19, 2005, is an update on the ubiquitous U.S. food guide pyramid. The new icon stresses activity and moderation along with a proper mix of food groups in one's diet. As part of the MyPyramid food guidance system, consumers are asked to visit the MyPyramid website for personalized nutrition information.
It measures quantities in cups and ounces instead of "servings"
It includes a new symbol: "Physical Activity" (The person on the stairs)
MyPyramid.gov literature: The Literature
MyPyramid Tracker: The United States Government provides this online dietary and physical activity assessment tool
Introductory Video
MyPyramid was designed to educate consumers about a lifestyle consistent with the latest Dietary Guidelines for Americans, an 80-page document released in January 2005. The guidelines, produced jointly by the USDA and Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), represent the Federal nutrition policy.
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Overview
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MyPyramid contains eight divisions. From left to right on the pyramid are six food groups:
Vegetables, emphasizing dark green vegetables, orange vegetables, and dry beans and peas
Fruits, emphasizing variety and deemphasizing fruit juices
Oils, recommending fish, nut, and vegetables sources
Milk, a category that includes other dairy products
Meat and beans, emphasizing low-fat and lean meats such as fish as well as more beans, peas, nuts, and seeds
There are two other categories:
Physical activity, represented by a person climbing steps on the pyramid, with at least 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity per day recommended
Discretionary calories, represented by the uncolored tip of the pyramid, including items such as candy, alcohol, or additional food from any other group
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Themes
The USDA chose to encode several themes into the design of the MyPyramid icon. According to the USDA, MyPyramid incorporates:
Personalization, demonstrated by the MyPyramid Web site. To find a personalized recommendation of the kinds and amounts of food to eat each day, users must visit MyPyramid.gov.
Gradual improvement, represented by the slogan Steps to a Healthier You. It suggests that individuals can benefit from taking small steps to improve their diet and lifestyle each day.
Physical activity, represented by the steps and the person climbing them, as a reminder of the importance of daily physical activity.
Variety, symbolized by the six color bands representing the five food groups of MyPyramid and oils. Suggests that foods from all groups are needed each day for good health.
Moderation, represented by the narrowing of each food group from bottom to top. The wider base stands for foods with little or no solid fats, added sugars, or caloric sweeteners. Suggests these should be selected more often to get the most nutrition from calories consumed.
Proportionality, shown by the different widths of the food group bands. The widths suggest how much food a person should choose from each group. The widths are just a general guide, not exact proportions.
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Differences from the food guide pyramid
In a departure from the food guide pyramid, no foods are pictured on the MyPyamid logo itself. Instead, the logo emphasizes physical activity by showing a person climbing steps on the side of the pyramid. Colored vertical bands represent different food groups. MyPyramid is also intentionally simpler than the food guide pyramid after several USDA studies indicated that consumers widely misunderstood the original design. Consumers are asked to visit the MyPyramid.gov website for personalized nutrition information.
The food guide pyramid gave recommendations measured in "serving sizes", which some people found confusing. MyPyramid gives its recommendations in cups, ounces, and other measures that may be easier to understand.
The food guide pyramid gave a single set of specific recommendations for all people. In contrast, MyPyramid has 12 sets of possible recommendations, with the appropriate guide for an individual selected based on sex, age group, and activity level. MyPyramid does provide sample recommendations on their miniposter:
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Development
According to its website, MyPyramid and its associated guidelines were designed for all Americans over 2 years old.
A working title of food guidance system was used before the MyPyramid name was chosen.
The MyPyramid update was long-awaited by several lobbying, consumer-advocacy, and professional groups, including the American Dietetic Association, which played a role in recommending the update.
In September 2005, a "child-friendly version" of the food pyramid graphic and food guidance system launched.
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Criticism
Since it was announced, MyPyramid has been under criticism by nutritionists and graphics design experts for being ineffective and difficult to understand. Criticisms include:
The focus on using the Web site to obtain "personalized" guidelines may exclude people without access to the Internet.
The colored stripes are not labeled and therefore may be confusing.
The staircase on the side does not offer any recommendation as to type or duration of exercise.
The graphics contain no specific information.
There have also been criticisms of the neutrality of the food pyramid, as it is under the regulation of the USDA, whose main purpose is promoting the use of American agricultural products, as opposed to the National Institutes of Health, where many in the field of nutrition say it belongs. A common point that is brought up when discussing the neutrality is the fact that on the MyPyramid leaflets it names the National Cattlemen's Beef Association as contributing to the funding. This is at issue as some nutritional research indicates that red meat should be consumed very rarely.
However, supporters contend that once you understand the Pyramid it is very easy to live by, it makes it clear that exercise is necessary, and that the MyPyramid.gov site, while complaes, provides a wealth of information.
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Footnotes
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See also
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General
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Critiques
Food Pyramids Harvard School of Public Health Nutrition Source, compares pyramids
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Alternative pyramids
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