Implementation of the New USDA Food Pyramid Presented by Laura Huls

What is the Food Guide Pyramid? A graphic aid designed to help Americans eat a healthy diet. Released in 1992 by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

How Does the old Pyramid Work? The old pyramid proposed that those foods at the base of the pyramid should be eaten more frequently than those at the top. The base of the pyramid consists of breads, cereals, rice, and pasta ( servings daily). The next level up is the vegetable (3 - 5 servings) and fruit (2- 4 servings) groups. The third level up consists of dairy (2 - 3 servings) and meats, eggs, nuts, and dry beans (2 - 3 servings). Fats, oils and sweets are at the top with a recommendation that they be eaten sparingly.

What Does the Old Pyramid Look Like?

What the Old Pyramid Accomplished The old pyramid succeeded in replacing the “four food groups” scheme that had been used since the 1950’s. The “four food groups” are: Milk Meat Bread Vegetables & fruits The pyramid made it easier for Americans to visualize what foods to eat and avoid.

The Old Pyramid’s Weaknesses It was developed 13 years ago when people didn't know as much about nutrition. In 1992, there was a lot less emphasis on whole grain foods than there is today. It is a “one-size-fits-all” pyramid and doesn’t take into account important factors such as age, gender, and activity levels.

About the New Pyramid System To keep up with the times, the USDA decided to release the new pyramid system in April, They named the new pyramid “MyPyramid”. The new pyramid is designed to provide a more individualized approach to improving diet and lifestyle. It contains 12 different models based on daily calorie needs — from the 1,000 calories for sedentary toddlers to 3,200 calories for teenage boys.

Why Did the USDA Decide to Change the Old Pyramid? To create a system more personalized to individuals based on age, gender, and activity level. To provide guidelines for exercise. To emphasize the need to eat “whole” grains instead of refined grains and starches. To increase the consumption of fruits and vegetables.

What Does the New Pyramid look like? Color-coded vertical bands of varying widths represent the food groups. The band width illustrates the proportion of each food group. The bands which are widest at the bottom symbolize nutritious foods with little or no solid fats or added sugars. The band color represents the food group. There is also a graphic to the left of the pyramid that represents exercise.

Picture of the New Pyramid

Benefits of the New Pyramid System The new “MyPyramid” system provides a much more personalized approach than the old pyramid. Age Gender Activity level It includes a graphic for exercise requirements. It distinguishes between whole grains and refined grains.

How to Personalize the New “MyPyramid” Visit Fill in your age, sex and physical activity level then click "submit." Your personal pyramid will appear describing the specific amount of food you should eat in each food group. Select a food group to get additional information on how much (recommended caloric intake), and what kinds of foods you should eat.

Problems With the New System People might find the new model more confusing than the old one. The USDA offers little written advice that directs people to the “MyPyramid” website and how to use it. The public has little awareness of the benefits of using the new system.

Implementing the New “MyPyramid” System Step 1: Hold seminars at colleges and high schools to accomplish the following: Point out the benefits of the new system and the drawbacks of the old. Using PowerPoint presentations and public speakers (nutritional consultants and/or health professors). Increase the comfort level and reduce confusion regarding the new personalization method by walking through the process step by step.

Implementing the New “MyPyramid” System Step 2: Hand out flyers during the seminars that: Direct people to the “MyPyramid” website. Provide step-by-step instructions on how to use the personalized system. Provide information on how to read the new pyramid graphic.

Implementing the New “MyPyramid” System Step 3: Hang posters up that contain the new pyramid graphic and the web address of the "MyPyramid" personalization website. Places to hang posters up may include: Health science classrooms at colleges and universities Health clubs Cafeterias Grocery stores