The original Food Guide Pyramid, introduced by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in 1992, served as a foundational tool for nutrition education. However, it was criticized for over-emphasizing carbohydrates and being overly simplistic. An intermediate graphic, MyPyramid, was introduced in 2005 but was still seen as complex. The need for a clearer guide led to the launch of MyPlate in 2011.
The Shift to MyPlate: A Simpler Visual
MyPlate replaced the pyramid shape with a visual of a place setting divided into colored sections representing food groups. This design helps consumers visualize balanced meals without needing to calculate abstract serving sizes. It promotes balance and proportion in a more intuitive way.
The Five Food Groups on Your Plate
MyPlate divides a standard dinner plate into four colored sections, with a separate space for dairy:
- Fruits (Red section): Encourages filling a portion of your plate with whole fruits.
- Vegetables (Green section): The largest section, emphasizing a variety of vegetables.
- Grains (Orange section): Recommends making at least half of your grains whole grains.
- Protein Foods (Purple section): A smaller section for various protein sources.
- Dairy (Blue circle): Positioned to the side, emphasizing low-fat dairy or alternatives.
MyPlate vs. Food Guide Pyramid: What Has Changed?
The transition to MyPlate reflects updated nutritional science and a more practical approach. Key differences include:
| Feature | Food Guide Pyramid (1992) | MyPlate (2011) |
|---|---|---|
| Visual Design | Triangle shape with horizontal sections. | Plate divided into sections with separate dairy. |
| Carbohydrate Emphasis | Heavily emphasized grains at the base. | Grains are a quarter of the plate, with a whole grain focus. |
| Fruits and Vegetables | Separated, potentially leading to underconsumption. | Combined to take up half of the plate. |
| Portion Guidance | Used abstract serving sizes. | Uses an intuitive plate visual. |
| Fats and Oils | Depicted sparingly at the top. | No separate category; integrated into guidelines. |
| Physical Activity | Not explicitly shown (added later in MyPyramid). | Not on the icon, but part of broader guidelines. |
The Benefits of Using MyPlate
MyPlate simplifies the message, making it more accessible and practical. Benefits include:
- Clarity: Easy-to-understand plate graphic.
- Balance: Visual reminder of food group proportions.
- Flexibility: Offers personalized eating plans.
- Variety: Encourages diverse food choices within groups.
- Modern Relevance: Based on current dietary guidelines.
While a helpful guide, for more detailed recommendations, consult the full dietary guidelines. The official MyPlate website at myplate.gov offers additional resources, recipes, and tools.
Conclusion
In summary, MyPlate is the new name for the food guide pyramid. This 2011 USDA change replaced the pyramid with a simple, plate-based guide. MyPlate emphasizes portion control and balance across five food groups: fruits, vegetables, grains, protein, and dairy. Its user-friendly design provides an intuitive and effective tool for healthier eating habits, representing a shift toward more accessible nutritional advice.
Additional resources
Explore the official USDA MyPlate website for more information on the updated guidelines.
The Final Word
The new name for the food guide pyramid is MyPlate, a practical and modern dietary guide from the USDA. It simplifies healthy eating using a familiar plate setting to visualize recommended food group proportions for a balanced meal.
