THE NEW FOOD GUIDANCE SYSTEM
Volume 76, Number 4 July/August 2005
Summary
In April 2005, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) launched MyPyramid “Steps to a Healthier You” - www.mypyramid.gov, an updated symbol and interactive food guidance system. MyPyramid is designed to help individuals make healthier food and physical activity choices consistent with recommendations in the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (www.healthierus.gov/dietaryguidelines).
USDA has provided consumers with dietary guidance for more than 100 years. Early food guides emphasized a foundation diet of nutrient dense foods to reduce the risk of nutrient deficiencies. Later, food guides focused more on reducing the risk of obesity and chronic diseases such as heart disease associated with dietary excesses (e.g., calories, fat). The Food Guide Pyramid, introduced in 1992, is the most publicly recognized and long-standing (13 years) food guide.
Despite its familiarity, few Americans actually followed the advice illustrated by the Food Guide Pyramid. Also, it needed updating to better reflect recent nutrition standards (e.g., DRIs for nutrients). For these reasons, USDA in 2000 embarked on a multi-year comprehensive process of rebuilding the Food Guide Pyramid.
The resulting MyPyramid differs in several respects from the 1992 Food Guide Pyramid. Importantly, the one-size-fits-all Food Guide Pyramid has been replaced with a personalized approach to healthful eating and physical activity. The MyPyramid symbol is designed to direct consumers to the Web site, www.mypyramid.gov. Here, individuals, by entering their age, gender, and exercise level, can obtain one of 12 separate eating plans which best matches their needs. This personalized pyramid recommends a specific number of daily servings (now given in cups, ounces, or other household measures) from the five food groups (grains, milk, vegetables, fruits, meat & beans) as well as oils. Another change is the emphasis on exercise, represented by a figure climbing steps on the side of the pyramid.
In addition to obtaining their own customized pyramid, individuals can track their progress in meeting diet and exercise goals on the Web site. In-depth information on each food group and physical activity is also provided. For example, in the Milk group section, consumers can find information on what dairy foods are included in this group, how much is needed, what counts as a 1 cup equivalent to milk, dairy’s health benefits and nutrients, and tips for making wise choices. MyPyramid, like the 2005 Dietary Guidelines, recommends daily consumption of 3 cups of fat-free or low-fat milk or an equivalent amount of yogurt or cheese for Americans 9 years of age and older.
A major challenge is to make the public aware of MyPyramid and to use the tools and information provided. Partnerships among health professionals, public health officials, educators, the food industry, and government, among others can help realize the goal of maximizing Americans’ good health and decreasing their risk of obesity and chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes.
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