MyPyramid

MyPyramid, also known as the USDA Food Pyramid, was a food guidance system developed by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) in 2005. It replaced the previous Food Guide Pyramid and was itself replaced by MyPlate in 2011.

Overview

MyPyramid was designed to help American consumers make healthier food choices and to encourage regular physical activity. The pyramid shape was intended to suggest that some foods should be eaten in larger amounts than others. The different sections of the pyramid represented different food groups, with the size of each section indicating the relative proportion of each food group in a healthy diet.

Design

The design of MyPyramid included a series of vertical stripes of different widths, each representing a different food group. The stripes were color-coded to represent different food groups: orange for grains, green for vegetables, red for fruits, yellow for oils, blue for milk and dairy products, and purple for meats and beans.

A set of stairs on the side of the pyramid represented physical activity, with the message that exercise should be a daily activity. The person climbing the stairs was intended to suggest that physical activity can be achieved in many different ways and can be tailored to the individual's abilities and preferences.

Criticism

MyPyramid was criticized for being difficult to understand and for not providing clear guidance on portion sizes or the types of foods within each group that should be chosen for a healthy diet. It was also criticized for its perceived influence by the food industry, with some critics arguing that the recommendations were influenced more by commercial interests than by sound nutritional science.

Replacement

In 2011, the USDA replaced MyPyramid with MyPlate, a simpler and more intuitive visual guide to healthy eating. MyPlate divides a plate into four sections for fruits, vegetables, grains, and proteins, with a separate smaller circle for dairy.

See also

• Food Guide Pyramid
• MyPlate
• United States Department of Agriculture