The MyPyramid food guidance system, introduced by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in 2005, represented a significant evolution in dietary communication compared to its predecessor, the 1992 Food Guide Pyramid. Instead of a horizontal, tiered structure that could be misinterpreted as a hierarchy, MyPyramid featured vertical color-coded bands. This design was an attempt to better convey the concept of balance and personalization in a healthy diet.
The MyPyramid Structure: A Vertical Rainbow
The visual design of MyPyramid was simple and abstract, utilizing six colored bands that swept vertically from the top to the base. The thickness of each band served as a visual cue, indicating the relative proportion of that food group recommended in a daily diet. Unlike the 1992 pyramid, no single food group was placed at the 'base' or 'top,' reinforcing the idea that all food groups are important. The interpretation of the guide was not meant to be done from the image alone; instead, users were encouraged to visit the MyPyramid.gov website for personalized dietary plans.
The Six Color-Coded Bands
Each color in the MyPyramid graphic represented one of the major food groups, along with a separate category for oils. These groups and their corresponding colors were:
- Orange: Grains. This band represented grains, emphasizing whole grains for at least half of the total grain intake.
- Green: Vegetables. Highlighting the importance of eating a variety of vegetables, especially dark green and orange vegetables.
- Red: Fruits. This band encouraged the consumption of a wide array of fruits.
- Yellow: Oils. A thin band was included for oils, which are necessary for good health but should be consumed in moderation.
- Blue: Milk. This section represented the dairy group, primarily focusing on fat-free or low-fat milk and equivalent dairy products.
- Purple: Meat & Beans. The protein group was represented by this band, encompassing lean meat, poultry, fish, beans, eggs, and nuts.
Customization and Physical Activity
A critical component of the MyPyramid system was its emphasis on personalized nutrition, a feature missing from previous food guides. By using the MyPyramid.gov website, individuals could input their age, sex, and physical activity level to receive a tailored dietary plan detailing specific portion sizes and recommendations for each food group. This online tool was a central part of the system, though it was also a source of confusion for many users without internet access. A figure walking up steps on the side of the pyramid was a new visual element, added to emphasize the importance of daily physical activity alongside healthy eating.
Evolution and Controversy: MyPyramid vs. Food Guide Pyramid
| Feature | 1992 Food Guide Pyramid | 2005 MyPyramid |
|---|---|---|
| Visual Structure | Horizontal tiers, wide at the bottom and narrow at the top. | Vertical color-coded bands, with varying widths representing proportion. |
| Emphasis on Hierarchy | Implied that foods at the base (grains) were most important, while those at the tip (fats, sweets) were least important. | Removed visual hierarchy; all food groups spanned the height of the pyramid. |
| Personalization | A single set of guidelines for the general population. | Relied on an accompanying website for personalized recommendations based on age, sex, and activity level. |
| Physical Activity | No explicit mention or visual representation of physical activity. | Included a visual of a person climbing steps to highlight the importance of exercise. |
| Fats and Oils | Grouped fats, oils, and sweets at the very top, to be used sparingly. | Included a dedicated, but very thin, yellow band for oils. |
MyPyramid faced significant criticism. While the intent was to create a more balanced and personalized guide, the abstract nature of the vertical bands, and the reliance on an external website for critical information, made it confusing for many users. Without the context of the colors and widths, the graphic was largely meaningless. This user confusion eventually led to its replacement with a much simpler visual guide.
The Shift to MyPlate
In 2011, the USDA replaced MyPyramid with MyPlate, a more straightforward and intuitive icon. MyPlate uses the image of a simple dinner plate, divided into four sections for fruits, vegetables, grains, and protein, with a side circle for dairy. This design provided a more direct and easily understood visual guide for balancing meals, addressing many of the shortcomings of MyPyramid. While MyPyramid was a step toward personalization and a move away from the rigid hierarchy of its predecessor, its complex and abstract design was its ultimate downfall. Its replacement, MyPlate, continues the USDA's effort to provide clear, actionable dietary guidance to the public. You can read more about the transition in this Harvard Health blog post, which aptly called MyPyramid 'confusing' Harvard Health Blog.
Conclusion
In summary, foods were organized in MyPyramid using six vertical, color-coded bands of varying widths, representing grains, vegetables, fruits, oils, milk, and meat & beans. The design aimed to visually communicate proportional intake without implying a food hierarchy, a key critique of the older Food Guide Pyramid. Personalization was a central feature, though it required users to visit a separate website to receive specific, daily recommendations. Ultimately, the abstract nature of MyPyramid led to user confusion and its replacement by the more accessible MyPlate icon in 2011.
