MyPyramid
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[[Image:MyPyramid.png|thumb|The current food guide [[pyramid]], called "My Pyramid"]]
'''MyPyramid''', released by the [[USDA| United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)]] on [[April 19]], [[2005]], is an update on the ubiquitous U.S. [[food guide pyramid]]. The new icon stresses [[exercise|activity]] and moderation along with a proper mix of [[food groups]] in one's [[diet (nutrition)|diet]]. As part of the MyPyramid [[food]] guidance system, consumers are asked to visit the MyPyramid [[website]] for personalized [[nutrition]] information. Significant changes from the previous food pyramid include:
* It measures quantities in [[Cup (unit)|cups]] and [[ounce]]s instead of "servings".
* It includes a new symbol - a person on the stairs, representing physical activity.
MyPyramid was designed to educate consumers about a lifestyle consistent with the January 2005 ''[[Dietary Guidelines for Americans]]'', an 80-page document. The guidelines, produced jointly by the USDA and [[United States Department of Health and Human Services|Department of Health and Human Services]] (HHS), represented the official position of the U.S. government concerning nutrition policy.
==Overview==
[[Image:MyPyramid1.png|thumb|right|The eight divisions of the pyramid]]
MyPyramid contains eight divisions. From left to right on the pyramid are six food groups:
*[[Cereal|Grain]]s, recommending that at least half of grains consumed be as [[whole grain]]s
*[[Vegetable]]s, emphasizing dark green vegetables, orange vegetables, and dry beans and peas
*[[Fruit]]s, emphasizing variety and deemphasizing fruit juices
*[[Cooking oil|Oil]]s, recommending fish, nut, and vegetables sources
*[[Milk]], a category that includes other dairy products
*[[Meat]] and [[bean]]s, emphasizing low-fat and lean meats such as fish as well as more beans, peas, nuts, and seeds
There are two other categories:
*[[Exercise|Physical activity]], represented by a person climbing steps on the pyramid, with at least 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity per day recommended (and in some cases 60 or 90 minutes)
*Discretionary [[calories]], represented by the uncolored tip of the pyramid, including items such as [[candy]], [[alcohol]], or additional food from any other group.
==Themes==
The [[United States Department of Agriculture|USDA]] encoded several themes into the design of the MyPyramid [[Symbol|icon]]. According to the USDA, MyPyramid incorporated:
*''Personalization'', demonstrated by the MyPyramid Web site. To find a personalized recommendation of the kinds and amounts of food to eat each day, individuals must visit MyPyramid.gov. (See [[the twelve pyramids]].)
*''Gradual improvement'', represented by the [[slogan]] ''Steps to a Healthier You''. It suggests that individuals can benefit from taking small steps to improve their diet and lifestyle each day.
*''Physical activity'', represented by the steps and the person climbing them, as a reminder of the importance of daily physical activity.
*''Variety'', symbolized by the six color bands representing the five food groups of MyPyramid and oils. Suggests that foods from all groups are needed each day for good health.
*''Moderation'', represented by the narrowing of each food group from bottom to top. The wider base stands for foods with little or no solid fats, added sugars, or caloric sweeteners. Suggests these should be selected more often to get the most nutrition from calories consumed.
*''Proportionality'', shown by the different widths of the food group bands. The widths suggest how much food a person should choose from each group. The widths are just a general guide.
==Differences from the food guide pyramid==
In a departure from the food guide pyramid, which was launched in 1992, no foods are pictured on the MyPyramid logo itself. Instead, colored vertical bands represent different food groups. Additionally, the logo emphasizes physical activity by showing a person climbing steps on the side of the pyramid. MyPyramid was intentionally made simpler than the food guide pyramid after several USDA studies indicated that consumers widely misunderstood the original design.{{Fact|date=June 2008}} Consumers are asked to visit the [[http://www.mypyramid.gov/ MyPyramid.gov]] website for personalized nutrition information.
The food guide pyramid gave recommendations measured in "serving sizes," which some people found confusing. MyPyramid gives its recommendations in cups, ounces, and other measures that may be easier to understand.
The food guide pyramid gave a single set of specific recommendations for all people. In contrast, MyPyramid has 12 sets of possible recommendations, with the appropriate guide for an individual selected based on sex, age group, and activity level. MyPyramid does provide sample recommendations on their miniposter, shown here. [[Image:Miniposter-1.png|600px]]
==Controversy==
Some claim that the [[United States Department of Agriculture|USDA]] was and is unduly influenced by political pressure exerted by food production associations.<ref>{{cite news
| last = Zamiska
| first = Nicholas
| title = Food Pyramid Frenzy
| publisher = Wall Street Journal
| date = [[2005-02-10]]
| url = http://online.wsj.com/article/0,,SB109104875075676781,00.html?mod=health_hs_policy_legislation
| accessdate = 2006-12-09 }}</ref> For instance, the recommended intake of 4.5 or more cups daily of fruits and vegetables<ref name="Counts-US">[http://www.fruitsandveggiesmatter.gov/what/index.html "What Counts as a Cup"], fruitsandveggiesmatter.gov</ref> is more than double the [[World Health Organization]] recommendation of 400g (about 0.9 lb.)<ref>[http://www.who.int/dietphysicalactivity/fruit/en/index.html "Promoting fruit and vegetable consumption around the world"], World Heath Organization, retrieved April 11, 2008</ref><ref>[http://72.14.253.104/search?q=cache:GZxDVfXwMUIJ:cnn.k12.ar.us/Healthy%2520Schools%2520Initiative/Healthy_Snacks/Fruit-veg%2520Market%2520Order.doc+pound+vegetables+cup&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=3&gl=us "Market Guide for Fruit / Vegetable Snack Items"], Arkansas Child Nutrition Programs ([http://cnn.k12.ar.us/Healthy%20Schools%20Initiative/Healthy_Snacks/Fruit-veg%20Market%20Order.doc. Microsoft Word document]), retrieved April 11, 2008</ref> and [[National Health Service|UK NHS]] recommendations.<ref name="Counts-UK">[http://www.5aday.nhs.uk/WhatCounts/PortionSizes.aspx "Portion sizes"], UK National Health Service (NHS), retrieved April 11, 2008</ref> Some of the recommended portion sizes are up to [[5 A Day|eight times]] the size of portions recommended in other countries, although the number of portions recommended are the same.<ref name="Counts-US"/><ref name="Counts-UK"/>
==Development==
The research process and results used to create the MyPyramid Food Guidance System was documented in a supplemental issue of the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior published in November/December 2006, which included the following articles:
* Britten P, Marcoe K, Yamini S, Davis, C., [http://www.cnpp.usda.gov/Publications/MyPyramid/DevelopmentMaterials/JNEBsupplement/JNEBDevelPatterns.pdf "Development of Food Intake Patterns for the MyPyramid Food Guidance System"]
* Marcoe K, Juan WY, Yamini S, Carlson A, Britten P., [http://www.cnpp.usda.gov/Publications/MyPyramid/DevelopmentMaterials/JNEBsupplement/JNEBDevelComposites.pdf "Development of Food Group Composite and Nutrient Profiles for MyPyramid Food Guidance System"]
* Britten P, Haven J, Davis C., "[http://www.cnpp.usda.gov/Publications/MyPyramid/DevelopmentMaterials/JNEBsupplement/JNEBConsumerRes.pdf Consumer Research for Development of Educational Messages for the MyPyramid Food Guidance System"]
* Haven J, Burns A, Britten P, Davis C., [http://www.cnpp.usda.gov/Publications/MyPyramid/DevelopmentMaterials/JNEBsupplement/JNEBConsumerInterface.pdf "Developing the Consumer Interface for the MyPyramid Food Guidance System"]
* Yamimi S, Juan WY, Marcoe K, Britten P. [http://www.cnpp.usda.gov/Publications/MyPyramid/DevelopmentMaterials/JNEBsupplement/JNEBResearchBrief.pdf "Impact of Using Updated Food Consumption and Composition data on Selected MyPyramid Food Group Nutrient Profiles"]
* Britten P, Lyon J, Weaver C, Kris-Etherton P, Nicklas T, Weber J, Davis C. [http://www.cnpp.usda.gov/Publications/MyPyramid/DevelopmentMaterials/JNEBsupplement/JNEBPatternModeling.pdf "MyPyramid Food Intake pattern Modeling for the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee]
*Haven J, Burns A, Herring D, Britten P., Great Educational Materials (GEM) No. 426, [http://www.cnpp.usda.gov/Publications/MyPyramid/DevelopmentMaterials/JNEBsupplement/JNEBGEM426.pdf "MyPyramid.gov Provides Consumers with Practical Nutrition Information at their Fingertips"]
* Juan WY, Gerrior S, Hiza H., GEM No. 427, [http://www.cnpp.usda.gov/Publications/MyPyramid/DevelopmentMaterials/JNEBsupplement/JNEBGEM427.pdf "MyPyramid Tracker Assesses Food Consumption, Activity, and Energy Balance Status Interactively"]
* French L, Howell G, Haven J, Britten P., GEM No. 428, [http://www.cnpp.usda.gov/Publications/MyPyramid/DevelopmentMaterials/JNEBsupplement/JNEBGEM428.pdf "Designing MyPyramid for Kids materials to help Children Eat Right, Exercise, Have Fun"]
According to its website, MyPyramid and its associated guidelines were designed for all Americans over 2 years old. A working title of ''food guidance system'' was used before the MyPyramid name was chosen.{{Facts|date=May 2007}}
The MyPyramid update was long-awaited by several lobbying, consumer-advocacy, and professional groups, including the [[American Dietetic Association]], which played a role in recommending the update.{{Fact|date=May 2007}}
In September 2005, a "child-friendly version" of the food pyramid graphic and food guidance system launched.<ref>[http://www.mypyramid.gov/global_nav/media_kids_press_release.html "Johanns Unveils MyPyramid for Kids" ], USDA Press Release, September 28, 2005</ref>
==See also==
*[[Food guide pyramid]], the predecessor to MyPyramid
*[[Healthy eating pyramid]], an alternative designed to address criticism of the food guide pyramid
*[[5 A Day]], more details on recommended fruit and vegetable portions
*[[Healthy diet]]
*[[Food groups]]
==References==
<references/>
== External links ==
*[http://www.mypyramid.gov/pyramid/index.html MyPyramid website], U.S. Government
*[http://www.health.gov/dietaryguidelines/dga2005/document/ "Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2005"], U.S. Government
*[http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2005-04/ada-ada041905.php "American Dietetic Association statement on new 'MyPyramid'"], April 19, 2005
*[http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/pyramids.html "Food Pyramids: What Should You Really Eat?"], Harvard School of Public Health, 2007 (retrieved April 11, 2008)
[[Category:Nutrition]]
[[Category:Nutritional advice pyramids]]