USDA's New Food Guidance System -
MyPyramid

It is often hard to understand the recommendations on what foods to eat and in what portion. To help consumers incorporate the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans into their daily eating habits, the U.S Department of Agriculture has developed a new food guidance system, MyPyramid (www.mypyramid.gov). Using Food Intake Patterns at 12 different calorie levels, MyPyramid identifies the types and amounts of food an individual should eat for health. The amounts to eat are based on a person's age, sex, and activity level.

We have evaluated the new food guidance system and found positive changes and a potential limitation to the system.

Positive changes from the previous "Food Guide Pyramid"

The new title and design of the pyramid acknowledges that a combination of exercise and healthy food choices, as well as gradual improvements, which is symbolized by the steps of the pyramid, forms the basis for a healthy lifestyle.
The new title also recognizes the diverse needs of the American public – one size does not fit all.
Personalized – by the new title as well as the 12 different caloric levels which are available through the internet for each individual based on factors such as age, gender and level of activity.
Portion sizes are provided in amounts such as cups, ounces and other household measures for foods in each food group in order to help the public learn about serving sizes and assist with controlling caloric intake.


Limitation

Currently, Internet access is required to take advantage of the tools provided with "MyPyramid."
As the American Dietetic Association position summarized, the true measure of success with the new food guidance system will be determined by whether the new recommendations are effective in helping the American public eat according to the recently released dietary guidelines.

Visit www.mypyramid.gov to read more, including an FAQ about the food guidance system