Deconstructing the MyPyramid Graphic
Unlike its predecessor, the 1992 Food Guide Pyramid with its horizontal layers, the MyPyramid graphic was an abstract, color-coded diagram of vertical bands. It was introduced by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) in 2005 as a new food guidance system designed to help Americans make healthier food choices and become more physically active. The visual design intentionally featured different widths for each band, with the width suggesting the relative proportion of daily food intake recommended from each group. However, without explanatory text on the image itself, users had to visit the MyPyramid website to get specific details on serving sizes and food types. A unique addition to the MyPyramid graphic was a small stick figure running up a staircase on the side, serving as a reminder of the importance of physical activity. This design was criticized for being confusing and overly simple at a glance, relying heavily on supplementary online resources.
The Widest Band: Grains and Their Emphasis
Upon examination of the MyPyramid graphic, the orange band is clearly the widest, and it represents the grains food group. The prominent width of this band signified that grains should constitute the largest portion of a person's daily diet. The recommendation, for a 2,000-calorie diet, suggested consuming approximately 6 ounces of grains per day, with the crucial detail that at least half of those grains should be whole grains. Whole grains include foods such as whole wheat bread, brown rice, and oatmeal, which are more nutrient-dense than refined grains like white bread and pasta. The emphasis on grains reflected the dietary thinking of the time, though this would later be challenged by subsequent nutritional guidelines. The grains group provides complex carbohydrates, which are the body's primary source of energy, along with dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
A Closer Look at the MyPyramid Bands
The MyPyramid visual guide featured six distinct colored bands, each representing a different food category. These bands varied in width to visually convey recommended proportions:
- Orange (Grains): As the widest band, it was meant to be the dietary foundation, recommending the most servings.
- Green (Vegetables): Occupied a significant portion of the graphic, though narrower than grains.
- Red (Fruits): Was represented by a band similar in width to the vegetable group.
- Blue (Milk): Represented dairy products and was narrower than the fruit and vegetable bands.
- Purple (Meat & Beans): Included meat, poultry, fish, beans, and nuts. This band was of similar width to the dairy band.
- Yellow (Oils): Was the narrowest band, indicating it should be consumed sparingly.
This proportional representation was the central messaging device of the 2005 MyPyramid, suggesting that a balanced diet meant consuming larger quantities from the wider bands and smaller amounts from the narrower ones.
MyPyramid vs. MyPlate: A Comparison
MyPyramid was eventually replaced in 2011 by the MyPlate icon, which aimed to offer a clearer, more practical visual guide for consumers. The differences highlight a shift in nutritional thinking over the years.
| Feature | MyPyramid (2005) | MyPlate (2011) |
|---|---|---|
| Visual Metaphor | Abstract vertical pyramid with colored bands representing relative proportions | A simple visual of a divided dinner plate with a side cup for dairy |
| Emphasis | Strongest emphasis on grains, followed by fruits/vegetables, then protein and dairy | Places equal emphasis on fruits and vegetables, which fill half the plate |
| Oils/Fats | Included a separate, albeit small, yellow band for oils | Does not have a visual category for fats or oils on the main graphic |
| Physical Activity | Explicitly included a person walking up stairs | No visual representation of physical activity |
| Complexity | Considered more complex and less intuitive without visiting the website for details | Much simpler and easier to understand, using a familiar mealtime setting |
The Reason for the Shift to MyPlate
The transition from MyPyramid to MyPlate was largely driven by a desire for a simpler, more effective communication tool. MyPyramid's reliance on a website for key details and its abstract nature made it inaccessible for many, and its emphasis on grains was criticized by some nutrition experts. The MyPlate design was created to be immediately understandable, illustrating appropriate portion sizes in a familiar context and shifting the emphasis towards a more balanced intake of fruits and vegetables. This change reflected the evolving understanding of nutrition science and a commitment to clearer public health messaging.
Conclusion: The Widest Band in Retrospective
The question of which band in the MyPyramid plan is the widest leads directly to the core messaging of the 2005 USDA dietary guide: a diet with a foundational emphasis on grains. While this approach was standard for its time, the later replacement of MyPyramid with MyPlate demonstrates the dynamic and evolving nature of nutrition science. Today, dietary guidelines prioritize a more balanced plate, with a greater focus on fruits and vegetables. Examining these historical guidance tools offers valuable insight into how nutritional recommendations and public health communication have changed over the years. Understanding the history of dietary guides is crucial for appreciating the current advice we receive. For the latest information on federal dietary guidelines, the USDA's MyPlate website is the current authoritative resource for American nutrition advice, replacing MyPyramid's legacy resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the orange band on MyPyramid represent?
The orange band on the MyPyramid plan represents the grains food group. This was the widest band on the graphic, indicating that grains should be consumed in the largest proportion daily.
When was MyPyramid replaced by MyPlate?
MyPyramid was officially replaced by the MyPlate visual guide in June 2011. The MyPlate icon was introduced as a simpler and clearer replacement for the abstract pyramid graphic.
What did the different widths of the bands on MyPyramid mean?
The different widths of the vertical bands on MyPyramid were designed to illustrate the recommended proportional intake of each food group. The wider the band, the more a person was advised to eat from that food group.
Did MyPyramid emphasize physical activity?
Yes, MyPyramid included a small stick figure running up a staircase on the side of the pyramid. This was meant to visually represent the importance of daily physical activity in addition to healthy eating.
What are the five food groups in MyPyramid?
The MyPyramid actually depicted six categories, with five major food groups represented by colored bands: grains (orange), vegetables (green), fruits (red), milk (blue), and meat & beans (purple). A tiny yellow band for oils was also included, representing a minor category to be consumed sparingly.
What is the main difference between MyPyramid and MyPlate?
The main difference is their visual representation and emphasis. MyPyramid had a prominent focus on grains, while MyPlate emphasizes a more balanced intake of fruits and vegetables, which fill half of the plate. MyPlate is also much simpler to understand at a glance.
Is MyPyramid still in use today?
No, the MyPyramid food guidance system is no longer in use today. It was replaced by MyPlate in 2011, which serves as the current federal dietary guide for Americans.
