The Evolution of USDA Dietary Guidance
To understand the significance of MyPlate, it is helpful to first look at the long history of U.S. government-issued dietary guides. The MyPlate graphic was not the first, nor will it likely be the last, in a long series of visual tools designed to help Americans eat healthily. Early versions date back to the 1940s with the "Basic Seven" and were later simplified in the 1950s and 60s to the "Basic Four". These earlier guides often consisted of simple lists or wheels of food groups.
The Rise and Fall of the Food Pyramids
The 1990s and 2000s were dominated by pyramid-shaped visual guides. In 1992, the USDA introduced the original Food Guide Pyramid, which categorized foods into six groups and showed recommended daily servings. The visual was intended to demonstrate that a healthy diet should be based on grains at the pyramid's wider bottom, while fats, oils, and sweets were to be eaten sparingly at the narrow top.
In 2005, the USDA replaced this with the MyPyramid graphic. This new iteration was criticized for its complexity and abstract design. It featured vertical colored bands that represented the different food groups and even included a figure climbing stairs to symbolize physical activity. However, it lacked the specific serving number guidelines and was often confusing for consumers to interpret without supplementary materials.
The Creation of MyPlate by the USDA
In an effort to provide a clearer, more accessible, and user-friendly visual guide, the USDA rolled out the new MyPlate program in June 2011. The development was led by the USDA's Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion (CNPP), which works to improve the nutrition and well-being of Americans through educational materials.
The decision to switch to a plate visual was based on the idea that a plate is a familiar symbol associated with mealtime. This makes it easier for people to visualize and apply the recommendations to their own meals. Instead of abstract ratios or complex pyramids, MyPlate presents a straightforward, customizable reminder to choose a variety of foods throughout the day, aligning with the latest Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
Understanding the MyPlate Model
The MyPlate graphic is a simple visual divided into four sections, representing the main food groups, with a smaller circle on the side for dairy. The graphic's design is based on several key principles:
- Make half your plate fruits and vegetables: Emphasizing the importance of produce, this section promotes a high intake of fruits and vegetables.
- Make half your grains whole grains: This encourages better choices within the grain group, advising whole grains over refined grains.
- Vary your protein routine: Highlighting the need for lean protein from a variety of sources, this section advises diversifying protein intake.
- Choose water instead of sugary drinks: While not part of the plate graphic, the accompanying messaging promotes healthier beverage choices.
- Move to low-fat or fat-free dairy: This encourages the consumption of dairy or fortified soy products for calcium and vitamin D, with an emphasis on lower-fat options.
MyPlate vs. MyPyramid: A Visual Comparison
| Feature | MyPyramid (2005) | MyPlate (2011) |
|---|---|---|
| Shape | Pyramid with vertical colored bands. | Plate divided into four quadrants with a side circle. |
| Representation | Food group ratios and physical activity shown on an abstract graphic. | Familiar mealtime plate, making portion distribution easy to visualize. |
| Clarity | Often considered abstract and difficult for consumers to interpret without context. | Simple, clear, and provides an instant visual reference for a balanced meal. |
| Exercise | A small person climbing stairs up the pyramid symbolized physical activity. | Does not explicitly include an exercise component within the main graphic. |
| Focus | Daily servings and ratios of food groups. | Emphasis on meal composition and balancing food groups at each meal. |
Key Principles of a MyPlate-Inspired Diet
The MyPlate graphic is a reminder, not a rigid rulebook. For detailed and personalized advice, the USDA directs consumers to its website, MyPlate.gov, which offers tools and resources like the MyPlate Plan, quizzes, and recipes. By using these resources, individuals can customize the guidance based on their age, sex, weight, and physical activity level. The core principles include focusing on whole fruits, varying vegetables, making half of grains whole grains, varying protein sources, and choosing low-fat or fat-free dairy options.
The Impact and Criticisms of MyPlate
MyPlate has been widely praised for its simplicity and for replacing the confusing pyramid models. However, some criticisms exist, such as the potentially misleading size of the protein section and the inclusion of dairy as a separate component. The lack of an explicit exercise component in the graphic has also been noted.
Conclusion: The Ongoing Story of Nutritional Guidance
So, what group came up with the MyPlate graphic? It was the U.S. Department of Agriculture, continuing its decades-long role in providing nutritional guidance to the American public. MyPlate represents a major shift towards a more relatable and understandable visual aid for healthy eating. Its success lies in its ability to start a conversation and guide consumers towards healthier habits.
