MyPlate Replaces MyPyramid

On June 1^st 2011, the USDA announced a new program, MyPlate, will replace the MyPyramid.  MyPyramid is an educational tool used to guide Americans on what to eat. Various forms of this tool have been used by the USDA since 1992.  Many may ask, why did the USDA decide to make the change?

Although the pyramid was colorful and well recognized by most Americans, My Pyramid was always too confusing without explanation.   With 5 sections, >40 items in the picture, and a person walking upstairs; it tried to convey too many messages at once.  Many educators, including myself, haven’t found it to be very useful, which likely led to the change.

The new display MyPlate, shown below, is a quicker method that will be much easier to follow by Americans.  The MyPlate figure is described as the following: a plate icon divided into approximately 30 percent grains, 30 percent vegetables, 20 percent fruits and 20 percent protein, accompanied by a smaller circle representing dairy.

 Its main messages:

• Enjoy your food, but eat less
• Increasing fruits and vegetables by filling half of your plate with fruits and vegetables
• Make at least half of your grains whole grains
• Switch to fat-free or low fat (1%) milk
• Compare sodium in foods like soup, bread, and frozen meals – and choose the foods with the lower number
• Drink water instead of sugary drinks

If you visit:

http://www.choosemyplate.gov/

You can find a lot of information including:

 

• Lists of foods that are in each category
• Pictures demonstrating what a serving of an item is, an example can be seen to the right
• Specific materials for weight loss, kids, pregnant and breastfeeding, and for the general population
• Resources for educators

Initial Impressions:

For years educators have used a similar method called “The Plate Method.”  I honestly believe the change is a plus for the average American, because it helps guide how to eat in a simple image.  Even young kids can easily understand this without much guidance from an educator.  When a mother or father preparing a meal for his kid, many respond “I don’t have time to read a nutrition facts labels.” He or she can now easily follow the illustration above.  There is also a section that allows you to personalize the plan based off your age/sex/weight/height/etc. Best of all, all the information can be obtained free of charge.

Possible negatives:

1. Leaving out the exercise component was unfortunate; however understand this is a tool for nutrition, not for exercise.  There is a small section on physical activity called “Get Moving.”
2. I personally believe (and many educators would agree) they should clarify that fried potatoes shouldn’t be used as the vegetable for half the tray. French fries or Potato chips would be acceptable for half the tray if this plan was taken literally.
3. The dairy section may not be appropriate for lactose intolerant or in cultures that do not consume dairy products (e.g. Asian Americans/vegans).   In a positive move, they do include soy milk in their listing.
4. Some may believe the icon is too simple and vague: such as not making a distinction between lean sources of protein and high fat sources of protein.

Despite the possible negatives listed above, I feel this program is a step in the right direction.  MyPlate is meant to guide Americans, and when additional information is needed; resources such as Registered Dietitians and other health educators can help individualize these recommendations.  Overall, this program should help guide Americans to a healthier eating plan.