Out With the Old…In With the New!



                 2005 Pyramid



1992 Pyramid  &  New "MyPlate"





                

 

June 2, 2011, the USDA introduced us to "MyPlate," which is the new and improved version of  the decades-old food pyramid; which was first introduced in 1992 by the the U.S. Department of Agriculture, then revamped in 2005.  Secretary Vilsack said during the press conference announcing the “MyPlate” concept with the new icon, "though the old food pyramid has a lot of good information, the reality is that it's too complex a symbol to translate well to meals for Americans." MyPlate, by contrast, is a "simple, visual, research-based icon that is a clear, unmistakable message about portion size," Vilsack said.

"MyPlate" promotes fruits and vegetables, which cover half the circle, in an attempt to battle the obesity epidemic. Grains occupy one quarter of the plate. Proteins such as meat, fish and poultry occupy one quarter of the plate as well. A glass of milk, cheese or yogurt rest to the side of the circle. Desserts, sugars, fats and oils are not even mentioned. “MyPlate” is explained further under the new icon on the website as follows:

Balancing Calories

▪Enjoy your food, but eat less.

▪Avoid oversized portions.

Foods to Increase

▪Make half your plate fruits and vegetables.

▪Make at least half your grains whole grains.

▪Switch to fat-free or low-fat (1%) milk.

Foods to Reduce

▪Compare sodium in foods like soup, bread, and frozen meals ― and choose the foods with lower numbers.

▪Drink water instead of sugary drinks.        

The new plate is supposed to serve more as a visual and artistic tool for diners to eat healthily because it represents an actual plate. The USDA wanted to do away with "MyPyramid" because they claim it was too complex and had too much information for someone to absorb. Choosemyplate.gov will eventually feature interactive tools that help people manage their weight and track exercise.

Some people like the idea of putting a fresh new face on the old pyramid. Others feel it’s a waste of time and money; while some others feel it’s too simplistic and cartoonish to be taken seriously.

Well……….Ever heard of the K.I.S.S. method? For those who haven’t, the nice version is… Keep It Simple Sweetie. If it’s visually simple and it helps to motivate people to make better food choices, well that’s a no-brainer! With the obesity rate at an all time high, we can use all the help we can get, anywhere we can get it from!!!

Any thoughts on the New “MyPlate” Pyramid?