History of USDA nutrition guidelines

USDA - Basic 7 Food Groups

The history of USDA nutrition guidelines traces the development and evolution of dietary recommendations provided by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to promote health and nutrition among Americans. These guidelines have undergone significant changes since their inception, reflecting advancements in nutritional science and shifts in public health priorities.

Early Beginnings

The USDA's involvement in nutrition began in the late 19th century. In 1894, Dr. Wilbur Olin Atwater, a pioneer in the field of nutrition, published the first dietary guidelines, which emphasized the importance of a balanced diet consisting of protein, carbohydrates, fats, and mineral matter.

The Basic Seven (1943)

During World War II, the USDA introduced the "Basic Seven" food groups to help Americans maintain proper nutrition despite wartime food rationing. These groups included:

1. Green and yellow vegetables
2. Oranges, tomatoes, and grapefruit
3. Potatoes and other vegetables and fruits
4. Milk and milk products
5. Meat, poultry, fish, or eggs
6. Bread, flour, and cereals
7. Butter and fortified margarine

The Basic Four (1956)

In 1956, the USDA simplified its guidelines to the "Basic Four" food groups:

1. Milk
2. Meat
3. Fruits and vegetables
4. Grains

This model was used for several decades and emphasized the importance of consuming foods from each of these groups daily.

The Food Guide Pyramid (1992)

In 1992, the USDA introduced the Food Guide Pyramid, which provided a visual representation of the recommended proportions of different food groups. The pyramid included:

• Grains (base of the pyramid)
• Vegetables and fruits
• Dairy and protein sources
• Fats, oils, and sweets (top of the pyramid, to be used sparingly)

MyPyramid (2005)

The Food Guide Pyramid was replaced by MyPyramid in 2005. MyPyramid retained the pyramid shape but introduced vertical bands representing different food groups and emphasized physical activity. It aimed to provide more personalized dietary recommendations.

MyPlate (2011)

In 2011, the USDA unveiled MyPlate, a simpler, plate-shaped icon that divided a plate into four sections: fruits, vegetables, grains, and protein, with a side of dairy. MyPlate aimed to make it easier for Americans to understand and implement healthy eating practices.

Current Guidelines

The USDA continues to update its dietary guidelines every five years, in collaboration with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The latest guidelines emphasize a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy, while limiting added sugars, sodium, and saturated fats.

Related Pages

• United States Department of Agriculture
• Food Guide Pyramid
• MyPyramid
• MyPlate
• Wilbur Olin Atwater
• Department of Health and Human Services

 This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the United States Department of Agriculture.