The shift from MyPyramid to MyPlate
For years, the Food Guide Pyramid was the standard visual tool for dietary advice in the United States, providing a simple, if sometimes misunderstood, representation of what a healthy diet looked like. The original pyramid, introduced by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) in 1992, was updated in 2005 to MyPyramid. While MyPyramid attempted to modernize the visual by using vertical colored stripes, it was ultimately replaced in 2011 by MyPlate due to concerns about its complexity and the growing obesity epidemic. The plate model was intended to be a more intuitive and practical guide, reflecting a typical meal setting rather than an abstract pyramid shape.
Why MyPlate is different
The primary reason for the shift from the pyramid to the plate was to offer a more straightforward and relatable visual cue for portion control. Instead of a triangular structure that could be misinterpreted, MyPlate offers a simple, divided plate icon. The new model emphasizes filling half your plate with fruits and vegetables, and the other half with grains and protein, with a side of dairy. This visual guide helps individuals immediately grasp how to balance their meals without needing to count precise servings. It simplifies nutritional guidance into a format that is more easily implemented at mealtime.
What are the key food groups in MyPlate?
The MyPlate model includes five basic food groups, which are represented by colored sections on the plate icon:
- Fruits: The red section of the plate. Emphasizes whole fruits over fruit juice to maximize fiber intake.
- Vegetables: The green section. Encourages varying vegetable choices, particularly dark-green, red, and orange varieties.
- Grains: The orange section. Stresses making at least half of your grain intake whole grains.
- Protein Foods: The purple section. Advises going lean with protein options and varying your sources to include fish, beans, and nuts.
- Dairy: The blue circle on the side. Suggests moving to low-fat or fat-free dairy products.
The comparison between MyPyramid and MyPlate
| Feature | MyPyramid (2005) | MyPlate (2011) |
|---|---|---|
| Visual Representation | A pyramid with vertical color-coded stripes of varying widths. | A simple place setting with a plate and a cup. |
| Food Group Emphasis | Horizontal or vertical bands, making it harder to visualize proper ratios at mealtimes. | Proportional sections on a dinner plate, directly representing meal balance. |
| Portion Guidance | Used abstract concepts and serving counts that were often confusing for consumers. | Offers a practical visual reminder for portion control that is easily customizable. |
| Physical Activity | An image of a person climbing stairs emphasized the need for daily physical activity. | Does not explicitly include a physical activity component on its main graphic. |
| Ease of Use | Considered less intuitive and was criticized for being too complex for the average American. | Designed to be simple and easily understood by the general public at a glance. |
How does MyPlate help modern dietary needs?
MyPlate helps consumers make more informed food choices by using a familiar and direct visual. The plate graphic reinforces several key principles of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans:
- Balance Calories: Reminds people to enjoy their food but eat less, and to avoid oversized portions.
- Focus on Nutrient-Dense Foods: Encourages an increased intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy.
- Reduce Unhealthy Components: Recommends reducing foods high in sodium, solid fats, and added sugars.
By simplifying the visual and messaging, MyPlate aims to make healthy eating an approachable goal rather than an intimidating one. It encourages personalized planning and offers a range of online resources and tools to help individuals meet their specific nutritional needs. The model is not a strict diet plan but a flexible guide that adapts to different needs and budgets. This flexibility makes it a more realistic tool for long-term healthy eating habits, supporting individuals in making gradual, positive changes to their diet and overall well-being.
Conclusion
While the term "food pyramid" is still widely known, its modern counterpart, MyPlate, has become the official standard for dietary guidance from the USDA. The shift from the pyramid to the plate represents a move toward more practical, intuitive, and visually accessible nutrition education. By focusing on balanced meals and emphasizing key food groups, MyPlate provides a simple but powerful tool for making healthier eating decisions every day. The evolution of these nutritional guides reflects a commitment to providing clearer, science-based advice to help people achieve better health outcomes. You can find more personalized resources and information on the official MyPlate website: www.myplate.gov.
