October 7, 2008
Home > Food and Health News > New Food Pyramid – the USDA is trying to make it simple, but will it work?

New Food Pyramid – the USDA is trying to make it simple, but will it work?

April 19, 2005

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) unveiled its new "food pyramid" this morning, replacing the old version with a new, vertically striped edition that gives specific advice about how much and what kinds of foods the average person should eat each day. The premise for the new system is simply to have individuals log on to the new USDA website, www.mypyramid.com, enter their age, sex and physical activity and get a somewhat personalized "food pyramid." Think the ultimate in one-to-one nutrition, at least for those who have Internet access; and some might suggest that this leaves a good deal of the population – perhaps those who need the information the most – still unclear when it comes to making their healthier food choices.

The new pyramid has six vertical strips, each one representing various food groups, and getting progressively wider at the base:

  • The orange stripe represents grains, with the recommendation that people should "eat at least three ounces of whole grain bread, cereal, crackers, rice, or pasta every day," with half of all grains consumed recommended to be whole grains.

  • The green stripe is for vegetables, with the recommendation that people eat more dark green and orange vegetables, as well as more dry beans and peas. The guidelines recommend 2.5 cups of vegetables per day for people eating 2,000 calories a day, with higher or lower amounts depending on calorie intake.

  • The red stripe signifies fruits, broken apart from veggies for the purpose of these recommendations. The USDA suggests eating two cups a day of a variety of fruits, whether fresh, frozen, canned or dried – but to "go easy on fruit juices."

  • The blue stripe represents dairy, with USDA recommending that people consume three cups a day of low-fat or fat-free products, and if they happen to be dairy intolerant, to find other sources for calcium.

  • The (very thin) yellow stripe is for oils, with the recommendation that "most of your fat sources come from fish, nuts and vegetable oils," and that consumers "limit solid fats like butter, stick margarine, shortening and lard."

  • And finally, there is the thin purple stripe, for meats and beans. The USDA suggests that people choose low fat or lean meats and poultry, and that these items be baked, broiled or grilled.

    Each of these categories includes more specific information about how much of each item can be reasonably consumed in a given day, as well as using cups as a measurement instead of the whole "servings," which most people didn’t understand.

    The new pyramid also includes a figure walking up steps to remind us that exercise is an important component to health and nutrition.

    The new pyramid is based on dietary guidelines issued by the federal government earlier this year. There has been a lot of speculation as to what shape the "new pyramid" might take with the expectation that another shape would be chosen. Questions: does the new pyramid actually make sense? Is it too simple? While it is familiar, will it communicate the details effectively? And even more important – will it drive people to www.mypyramid.com to look up the customized pyramid for their more specific needs?

    The USDA also is offering individuals more customized advice about nutrition and exercise: the website includes an interactive tool that allows consumers to assess their current state of nutrition and exercise.

    What’s your view of the new Food Guide Pyramid? Click below to add your comments to our reader blog.


    Posted on Monday 4/25 by Brent
    While the new pyramids may have some helpful information, one has to question why the government is involved at all in this kind of attempt to micro-manage our lives. And historically, the food guidelines have been centered around agri-industry influences, which obviously taint the process. There is an ultra-abundance of nutritional information available already (especially on the internet), so why not just let them handle the "heavy lifting"? And a good place to start understanding our unique dietary requirements, is the literature of nutritionist Roger Williams. Fact is, we could prevent the majority of modern illnesses through the scientific application of nutrition. So let's hope that the pyramids lead to more vigorous research and effort, on a timeless quest for the eternal fountain of youth!

    Posted on Thursday 4/21 by Penny
    I am not sure we needed a new pyramid. The problem is people not caring about what they eat or how much. Explaining more about servings would be of great help. I teach nutrition and that is the biggest misconception among young adults. I do like the "my pyramid" part and being able to plug your information in. My problem is also now my new textbooks are outdated! People need to be taught the basics of nutrition, that would be a great help in our country! Thanks, Penny

    Posted on Tuesday 4/19 by Kevin
    With all due respect, I think Dr. Pivonka is overreacting a bit to the introduction of the new nutrition pyramid today, perhaps a reflection of the fact that she has a vested interest in the increased consumption of fruits and vegetables.

    Do I think the new pyramid is the ultimate answer to all the nation’s nutrition/obesity problems? Of course not. But unlike Dr. Pivonka, I actually think the new pyramid is an improvement on the old one – it makes more sense graphically, the use of “cups” as opposed to “servings” is an improvement that is easier to understand, and I walked away from it feeling as though it was making what can be a complicated subject fairly simple.

    We shouldn’t expect the federal government to provide all the answers. The pyramid should be a starting point from which retailers can make recommendations to their shoppers, associations can develop dietary and marketing plans, and parents can make decisions for themselves and their children.

    Posted on Tuesday 4/19 by Carrie
    AMERICANS NEED MORE THAN USDA MYPYRAMID.GOV SYSTEM DELIVERS

    Statement by Elizabeth Pivonka, Ph.D., R.D., President, Produce for Better Health Foundation

    “The new MyPyramid system introduced by the USDA misses the mark for most Americans, lacking the big picture focus needed to educate Americans about healthy diet choices.

    “While incorporating fitness components and individual messages is important, it appears the USDA has replaced an American icon with a simple graphic that leaves out real guidance for a nation hungry for direction.

    “Just three months ago, new federal guidelines made it clear that Americans need to greatly increase their fruit and vegetable intake, and this graphic doesn’t give them the necessary steps to reach that goal.

    “Increasing fruit and vegetable intake is the most important step Americans can take to improve their diet, correcting a shortage of nutrients, fiber and phytochemicals and lowering the risk for heart disease, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and some cancers. It is also a key strategy for weight control.

    “Just five cups of fruits and vegetables daily will meet recommendations for most moderately active adults and teens, and making half your plate fruits and vegetables at every meal is a great way to reach these goals.

    “What Americans need now more than ever is a system that simplifies shopping and meal planning and creates an environment in which healthy choices are encouraged and convenient.

    “Toward that end, Produce for Better Health Foundation (PBH) is today releasing the National Action Plan to Promote Health Through Increased Consumption of Fruits and Vegetables.

    “Supported by dozens of national health, nutrition and policy experts and organizations, the Plan outlines strategies that can be taken by government, business, healthcare and community leaders to create an environment where people of all ages can make more healthful food choices.

    “For more information about the National Action Plan, visit www.pbhfoundation.org/actionplan. Tips, recipes and strategies to include more fruits and vegetables in your diet are also available at www.5aday.org.”

    Produce for Better Health Foundation is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to lead the way to achieving increased daily consumption of fruits and vegetables. The foundation chairs the National 5 A Day Partnership, consisting of government agencies, nonprofit organizations and industry working in collaboration to expand efforts to increase consumption of fruits and vegetables for improved public health. The 5 A Day for Better Health program is the nation’s largest public-private nutrition education initiative with coordinators in each state, territory and the military. To learn more, visit www.5aday.org.

    This discussion has been closed!

    FREE WEEKLY NEWSFLASH: To register for SupermarketGuru's weekly updates by email, click here.