The New Food Pyramid

After 13 years, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) unveiled an updated new food pyramid last year (2005).  The new food pyramid represents the recommended proportions of foods from each food groups and emphasizes the importance of eating a variety of food and incorporating physical activity.

The new version retains the pyramid shape but little else of the old design.  The original food pyramid introduced in 1992 was intended to be a nutrition guide in a one-size-fits-all world but individuals have specific nutritional needs, calorie goals and food preferences.  Therefore, this one-size-fits-all concept has been replaced with a simple visual symbol with food sections marked vertically instead of building blocks actually showing the food and a food guidance system.

MYPyramid, as the new version is called, includes daily exercise depicted by the stick figure climbing up the pyramid as a reminder to the public that physical activity everyday is equally important as eating healthy.  Another improvement is the emphasis on individual needs represented by 12 smaller pyramids that reflect different calorie and activity levels.  These customized pyramids accessed through the USDA’s interactive website (www.mypyramid.gov) indicate the USDA’s updated dietary guidelines.

The essence of the new food pyramid is customization because no single diet is right for everyone.  The new guidelines allow an individual to formulate a diet that works for him/her.  The added emphasis on exercise is also vital to ward off obesity.