Encyclopedia of Diets - A Guide to Health and Nutrition

should eat a variety of foods in differing amounts of
food from all of the four groups and consume only
small amounts from the fifth group of restricted foods.
The need for physical activity was not illustrated any-
where in this pyramid, nor was it shown in the 1992
version called the Food Guide Pyramid.

The 2005 MyPyramid was a major revision of the
Food Guide Pyramid. It was designed to illustrate rec-
ommendations found in the Dietary Guidelines for
Americans 2005 released by the USDA in January

2005. MyPyramid introduced both new graphics and
      the previously ignored concept that physical activity
      had to be taken into account when planning a healthy
      diet. On one side of the pyramid, each food group is
      represented by a vertical band of color ascending to the
      peak of the pyramid. The bands are of varying width,
      illustrating the relative proportions of each food group
      that should be consumed daily. On the other side of the
      pyramid, a figure climbs stairs, illustrating the intercon-
      nectedness between diet and exercise.

These were not the only changes incorporated into
MyPyramid. There were other new features.

Fruits and vegetables are listed as separate categories.

Emphasis is placed on eating whole grains rather
than highly processed refined grains.

Quantities of food are defined in familiar measures
such as cups or ounces, rather than as serving sizes.

Physical activity is incorporated into a healthy eating

plan.

One-size-fits-all dietary guidance was abandoned. A

Web-based feature allows individuals to personalize

dietary recommendations by entering their height,

weight, age, gender, and level of daily physical activ-

ity. The program then calculates how many calories

should be consumed daily and makes recommenda-

tions on how these should be distributed among the

different food groups.

A new category called discretionary calories was intro-

duced. These are calories that can be consumed after

other food group requirements have been met.

A Web-based tracker allows individuals to assess their

food intake and physical activity level and track their

energy balance (calories taken in compared to calories

burned) for an entire year.

Educational information is available on three levels:

child, adult, and healthcare professional.

Using personalized MyPyramid

recommendations

To make use of the information in MyPyramid,

individuals must first know whether they are consid-

ered thin, average, overweight, or obese. The National

Institutes of Health and the World Health Organiza-

tion classify weight based onbody mass index(BMI).

For instructions on how to calculate BMI, and a

Activity is represented by the steps and

the person climbing them, as a reminder

of the importance of daily physical activity.

Moderation is represented by the narrowing

of each food group from bottom to top.

The wider base stands for foods with

little or no solid fats or added sugars.

These should be selected more often.

The narrower top area stands for foods

containing more added sugars and solid

fats. The more active you are, the more of

these foods can fit into your diet.

Personalization is shown by the person on

the steps, the slogan, and the URL. Find the

kinds and amounts of food to eat each

day at MyPyramid.gov.

Proportionality is shown by the different

widths of the food group bands. The widths

suggest how much food a person should

choose from each group. The widths are

just a general guide, not exact proportions.

Check the Web site for how much is

right for you.

Variety is symbolized by the 6 color bands

representing the 5 food groups of the

Pyramid and oils. This illustrates that

foods from all groups are needed each

day for good health.

Gradual Improvement is encouraged by

the slogan. It suggests that individuals can

benefit from taking small steps to improve

their diet and lifestyle each day.

SOURCE: Centers for Nutrition Policy and Promotion, U.S. Department of Agriculture

GRAINS VEGETABLES FRUITS OILS MILK MEAT&BEANS

MyPyramid is used to personalize dietary recommendations based on an individual’s height, weight, age, gender, activity level
and weight goals, and is intended to help Americans become more aware of what they eat and their nutrient requirements.
(Illustration by GGS Information Services/Thomson Gale.)

USDA food guide pyramid (MyPyramid)