The transition from the iconic Food Guide Pyramid to MyPlate in 2011 marked a significant shift in the way the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) communicates healthy eating advice. While both guides were created to help Americans make better food choices, the philosophies and practical applications behind them are quite distinct. Understanding what is the difference between MyPlate and MyPyramid is key to following current dietary guidelines effectively.
The MyPyramid Model: Complexity and Controversy
Introduced in 2005, MyPyramid was an update to the original Food Guide Pyramid from 1992. Its design featured a colorful, sideways pyramid with vertical stripes representing different food groups. A figure climbing the side of the pyramid was meant to emphasize the importance of physical activity.
The MyPyramid design was often criticized for its complexity and lack of clarity. Unlike the straightforward MyPlate, MyPyramid required users to visit a website for specific, personalized dietary recommendations, including serving sizes based on age, gender, and activity level.
Key features of MyPyramid included:
- Emphasis on Grains: The grains group (breads, cereals, rice, and pasta) occupied the largest section at the base, leading many to believe it was the most important food group and causing confusion about appropriate proportions.
- Serving Size Focus: The model was based on specific serving recommendations, but these were not explicitly detailed on the graphic itself, making it difficult for consumers to implement without further research.
- Inclusion of Fats and Oils: MyPyramid included a small section for fats and oils, indicating they should be consumed sparingly.
MyPlate: Simplicity and Practicality
In contrast, MyPlate was introduced in 2011 to provide a more intuitive, easier-to-understand visual guide to healthy eating. Its design uses a familiar mealtime setting—a divided plate—to visually demonstrate the recommended proportions for each food group. The simple visual is meant to be a reminder for consumers rather than a rigid prescription.
The MyPlate graphic is divided into four sections for fruits, vegetables, grains, and protein, with a separate smaller circle for dairy. This design offers a clear, actionable guide for constructing a balanced meal.
Key features of MyPlate include:
- Visual Proportions: The plate is divided into simple, easy-to-understand sections, with half the plate dedicated to fruits and vegetables.
- Focus on Fruits and Vegetables: By visually prioritizing fruits and vegetables, MyPlate corrects the previous guide's emphasis on grains.
- Lack of Explicit Portion Sizes: MyPlate avoids the complexities of counting serving sizes, instead focusing on general proportions. While it doesn't specify portion quantities, the official MyPlate website provides a personalized plan with detailed information.
- Exclusion of Fats and Sugars: MyPlate does not include fats or sugars on its primary visual, implicitly encouraging moderation without assigning them a specific food group status.
MyPlate vs. MyPyramid Comparison Table
| Feature | MyPyramid | MyPlate |
|---|---|---|
| Visual Design | A pyramid with colorful, vertical stripes. | A divided dinner plate with a separate dairy circle. |
| Introduction Year | 2005, replacing the 1992 Food Guide Pyramid. | 2011. |
| Core Emphasis | Stressed proportions, variety, moderation, and activity, but was visually complex. | Stresses balance and proportionality using a simple, intuitive mealtime visual. |
| Main Goal | Provided complex, personalized online recommendations with serving sizes. | Offers a simple visual cue to help consumers make better, balanced food choices immediately. |
| Fruit & Veggie Emphasis | Represented in smaller stripes relative to the grain base. | Occupies half of the plate, visually prioritizing these food groups. |
| Grain Emphasis | Heavily emphasized at the base of the pyramid, sometimes criticized for over-representation. | Occupies one-quarter of the plate and recommends making half of all grains whole grains. |
| Fats & Oils | Included a small section, though often confusingly represented. | Not included in the primary visual, implicitly encouraging moderation. |
| Customization | Required visiting a website for personalized plans and details. | Integrates with an online tool for personalized advice based on individual needs. |
Why the shift from the pyramid to the plate?
The primary reason for the move to MyPlate was to create a more effective and easier-to-understand communication tool for the public. The original MyPyramid was criticized for its abstract nature, which left many consumers unsure how to apply the guidelines to their daily meals. By contrast, the MyPlate graphic is a simple, direct, and actionable reminder that can be applied to almost any meal. The shift also reflected updated nutritional science, which called for a greater emphasis on fruits and vegetables. This visual change was an attempt to better influence public health, especially in the face of rising obesity rates. The goal was to give people an immediate mental image of what a healthy meal should look like, without the need for complex calculations or external resources.
The legacy of both models
Despite its flaws, MyPyramid and its predecessors were important steps in government-led nutrition education. They introduced the concept of food groups and proportionality to the general public. However, the MyPlate model represents a more modern, practical, and visually compelling approach to dietary guidance. It aligns with the current understanding that healthy eating should be about balance and proportion, not rigid counting. While MyPlate is a valuable resource, some critics point out that it doesn't differentiate between healthy and unhealthy foods within a category (e.g., lean protein versus processed meat). For more detailed, science-backed nutritional advice, resources like the Harvard Healthy Eating Plate offer additional context and nuance.
Conclusion
In summary, the key difference between MyPlate and MyPyramid lies in their approach to communication and their visual design. MyPyramid was a complex, web-dependent tool that inadvertently overemphasized grains, while MyPlate is a simple, plate-based visual guide that focuses on balancing mealtime proportions with a strong emphasis on fruits and vegetables. MyPlate's success is its straightforwardness, making it an accessible tool for improving daily eating habits for many Americans.
Note: While the MyPlate visual is a powerful reminder, for comprehensive and personalized advice, it is always recommended to consult the official MyPlate website or a registered dietitian.
Visit the official MyPlate.gov website for your personalized plan.
