MyPlate and the Dietary Guidelines: A Symbiotic Relationship
For many years, the U.S. government has used visual aids to communicate dietary advice to the public. Beginning with the Food Guide Pyramid, and later MyPyramid, the current visual is MyPlate, introduced in 2011. While its colorful, easily understandable graphic has become a familiar sight, a common misconception is that MyPlate acts as a replacement for the more detailed and technical Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA). This is inaccurate; instead, MyPlate is the practical, front-end application of the DGA's broader principles, working together to promote healthier eating across the lifespan. The DGA provides the scientific foundation and policy, while MyPlate provides the everyday application.
The Comprehensive Foundation: Dietary Guidelines for Americans
The DGA is a federal policy document jointly produced by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Updated every five years, the DGA is a comprehensive, evidence-based report that provides nutritional recommendations for individuals aged 2 and older. It is designed to promote health and reduce the risk of major diet-related chronic diseases. The DGA addresses a wide range of topics that go beyond just food groups, including:
- Total dietary patterns: The DGA focuses on the overall combination of foods and beverages over time, rather than individual components.
- Nutrient adequacy: It outlines recommended intakes for various nutrients and identifies areas of under- and over-consumption among the American public.
- Health and disease prevention: The guidelines offer strategies to reduce the risk of conditions like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers.
- Lifestyle factors: It addresses key components like the importance of limiting added sugars, saturated fats, and sodium.
- Specific populations: The DGA includes special considerations for different life stages, such as pregnancy and lactation.
The DGA is a vital resource used by health professionals, policymakers, and educators. It forms the basis for federal food, nutrition, and health programs, including school lunches and nutrition assistance programs.
The Actionable Visual: What MyPlate Represents
MyPlate, with its simple divided plate graphic, serves as a visual reminder of how to translate the DGA's complex recommendations into real-world meals. It is a powerful educational tool that provides a clear and straightforward message: "Make half your plate fruits and vegetables". MyPlate reinforces five key food groups: fruits, vegetables, grains, protein, and dairy, along with guidance on balancing them at mealtime.
Key messages promoted by MyPlate include:
- Fill half your plate with fruits and vegetables: Emphasizing variety in your produce choices.
- Make half your grains whole grains: Encouraging the selection of nutrient-dense options.
- Vary your protein routine: Promoting a diverse array of protein sources.
- Move to low-fat or fat-free dairy: Suggesting healthier dairy options.
Comparison Table: MyPlate vs. Dietary Guidelines for Americans
| Feature | MyPlate | Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Simple, visual consumer guide for meal planning. | Comprehensive, scientific policy document for health professionals and policymakers. |
| Content | Division of a plate into five food groups, focusing on meal composition. | Detailed, evidence-based recommendations on total diet, nutrients, and health outcomes. |
| Audience | General public, including families and students. | Health experts, government agencies, and food industry. |
| Complexity | High-level, easy-to-understand message. | Highly detailed, technical, and scientific. |
| Basis | Based directly on the recommendations of the DGA. | The foundational research and policy upon which MyPlate is built. |
| Frequency | Updated as needed to reflect changes in the DGA. | Updated every five years. |
The Synergy of the System
MyPlate is not a replacement but rather a key component of a larger dietary guidance system. The DGA establishes the 'what' and 'why'—the scientific basis for healthy eating. MyPlate, along with its associated website and tools, explains the 'how'. It provides practical advice, recipes, and resources to help individuals put the DGA's principles into action.
For example, while the DGA details the importance of limiting saturated fats, MyPlate reinforces this by suggesting low-fat or fat-free dairy options. The DGA's focus on nutrient-dense foods is visually represented by MyPlate's emphasis on filling half the plate with fruits and vegetables. This synergy ensures that both high-level policy and everyday application are covered, providing a more complete picture of healthy eating for the entire population.
In conclusion, understanding the distinct yet connected roles of MyPlate and the DGA is essential for navigating modern nutritional advice. MyPlate simplifies the message for the consumer, making healthy choices intuitive at mealtime. The DGA provides the authoritative, evidence-based framework that informs not only MyPlate but the entire landscape of national nutrition policy. For individuals seeking more personalized guidance based on age, sex, and activity level, MyPlate.gov offers tools to apply the DGA principles more specifically.
For more information on the overarching framework and detailed nutritional guidelines, visit the official Dietary Guidelines website at: https://www.dietaryguidelines.gov/.
