New, redesigned food pyramid unveiled

Food & Drink Weekly, April 25, 2005

USDA and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced the new, redesigned food guide pyramid, called "MyPyramid." The new design replaces the Food Guide Pyramid introduced in 1992. Press announcements said, it "is part of an overall food guidance system that emphasizes the need for a more individualized approach to improving diet and lifestyle." There is also an interactive website which accompanies the new information: http://www.mypyramid.gov. The new dietary guidelines not only contain dietary recommendations for consumers, but also incorporate physical activity as part of the equation in terms of health.

The new symbol was designed to reflect the government's latest advice on healthy eating, compiled in the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, released in January. They are the most complicated guidelines to date, adding an exercise component and setting calorie levels for people of various ages for the first time. The guidelines made 23 recommendations, with an additional 18 for children, the elderly and others. The old pyramid had horizontal sections that visually told people what to eat: grains got a broad band across the bottom, meaning eat lots; fats and sugar were squeezed into the tiny tip, meaning eat little.

A major new design feature is a sporty figure climbing steep steps up the side of the pyramid, with the slogan: "Steps to a Healthier You". Unlike the old pyramid, which was designed to represent government nutrition advice in one quick bite, this version requires an interactive Web site to provide information. "The symbol is meant to increase awareness, but the education is in the accompanying materials," said USDA Secretary Mike Johanns, showing off the pyramid in Washington, D.C.

Food proportions are shown by the different widths of the wedges with grains (orange) the largest, followed by dairy (blue), vegetables (green), fruits (red), meat and beans (purple), and fats, sugars and salt (yellow). The actual portions of each food group a consumer should eat on a daily basis to maintain their weight depends on age, gender and amount of daily exercise, USDA said. Regarding the meat sector, the MyPyramid website notes the following: "Most meat and poultry choices should be lean or low-fat. Fish, nuts, and seeds contain healthy oils, so choose these foods frequently instead of meat or poultry."

The guidelines, developed by the Department of Health and Human Services, differ from the "Nutrition Facts" listed on food labels, which refer to the nutrient content of foods and are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. The guidelines and the USDA's food pyramid are the basis for all federal nutrition programs, including the school lunch program. Eric Bost, USDA's under secretary for food, nutrition and consumer services, calls it "a set of motivational and educational tools designed to help consumers make healthier choices." In all, the government offers 12 different versions of the recommendations, with varying food amounts based on calorie limits of 1,000 to 3,200, depending on a person's age, gender and activity level.

"MyPyramid is about the ability of Americans to personalize their approach when choosing a healthier lifestyle that balances nutrition and exercise," Johanns said. "Many Americans can dramatically improve their overall health by making modest improvements to their diets and by incorporating regular physical activity into their daily lives." Johanns also said the pyramid conveys "moderation--you can eat a lot of different foods but in moderation. Then exercise--even a small amount will make a difference. The key is to get started. And get onto the Web site. It is outstanding."