USDA Food Pyramid Explained

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Transcript:

USDA Food Pyramid Explained

Brief History of the USDA Food Pyramid

Back in 1992 when the U.S. government unveiled the Food Guide Pyramid, the plan was to provide a simple illustration that would make it easy for people eat more sensibly. Did it help? Not much.

Americans weigh more today than ever. Portion sizes are bigger. Obesity is shortening life expectancy. Part of the problem was that the Food Guide Pyramid was based on questionable science. It didn't help that it hadn't changed in more than a decade even though our understanding of the way diet affects health has changed significantly. And of course most people didn't follow the guidelines anyway.

New USDA Food Pyramid

Hoping to remedy the situation, the USDA introduced a new pyramid in April 2005. Called MyPyramid, it's made up of six colorful stripes that are wide at the base and narrow at the top. Each color represents a different food group:

• Green for vegetables
• Red for fruits
• Orange for grains
• Yellow for oils

That's so you'll know which one you should eat more of, and which less. The new pyramid also features a human figure climbing a set of stairs to remind you to exercise regularly.

USDA Food Pyramid on MyPyramid.com

One of the biggest changes between old and new is that now there are actually 12 pyramids. The USDA hopes you'll go to MyPyramid.com.

There, if you enter your sex, age, and the amount of exercise you get every day, you'll see a more personalized plan that shows how much you should eat from each food group. The new pyramid also dispenses with those mysterious servings that the old pyramid recommended. Who ever really knew how much food "6 to 11 servings" of grain was, anyway? Instead, MyPyramid makes its recommendations in ounces and cups.

Controversy About the New USDA Food Pyramid

While most observers agree that MyPyramid is an improvement, it has generated some controversy. A number of critics say the food industry played too big a role in developing the pyramid. The recommendation that people drink three glasses of milk is one example. That guideline is based on questionable science according to the Harvard School of Public Health. Others say the new pyramid should do more to discourage Americans from eating so much junk food. Still, if you follow MyPyramid guidelines, odds are good you will eat healthier.

Alternatives to the USDA Food Pyramid

Alternatively, you might try the Healthy Eating Pyramid from the Harvard School of Public Health. Developed to make up for shortcomings in MyPyramid, it differs in a number of significant ways. Instead of grouping fish, poultry and red meat into one "meat" category, it suggests that it's much better to eat fish, chicken, or eggs than steak. The Harvard pyramid also encourages people to eat lots of whole grains and avoid processed starch like white bread or white rice. In contrast, MyPyramid says it's fine to eat them in equal amounts, even though research shows that whole grains are much healthier.

In the end, both pyramids are designed to help you pay closer attention to the food you eat. And, that is an essential step to achieving a healthier diet and ultimately improving your overall health.

I'm Dr. Mona Khanna, About Health.