The familiar triangular-shaped food pyramid, developed by the United States Department of Agriculture, has a complex history. Although always in a pyramid shape, the illustrations and configuration of the interior of the pyramid has evolved and changed over time. What has not changed is the intention of the pyramid to provide a visual representation of a healthy diet.
History
The USDA unveiled the original, graphic of the food pyramid in 1992. The original intent of the pyramid was to teach Americans which foods to eat more of, which to eat less of and visually show the importance of eating a varied diet. The original pyramid depicted the five food groups in layers, with grains along the bottom and fats and sweets on the pinnacle. In 2005, the food pyramid shifted from horizontal layers to diagonally shaped slivers of color -- each color representing one of the food groups, including the newly revealed sixth food group.
Changes in the Food Groups
Before the first food pyramid appeared, Americans learned about the four basic food groups, milk, fruit, vegetables and meat. The original 1992 pyramid addressed the newer food group, fats, sweets and oils. In the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, the committee included the importance of healthy fats and oils in the American diet. Thus, the sixth food group, fats, is included on the 2005 food pyramid. Healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats found in sunflower and other seeds, nuts and some oils make up the smallest sliver of the pyramid.
Measurements and Inclusions
The original 1992 food pyramid gave eating recommendations in servings or portions. The USDA's website now gives recommended amounts in either cups or ounces. This change may help you understand that one serving of meat is 1 oz., while a serving of vegetables is 1/2 cup. Shifting the measurement size from number of servings to actual volume can assist you in managing your portion sizes. Included in the new pyramid is a figure of a human being walking up the build-in steps of the pyramid. This figure represents the importance of physical activity for all Americans.
Variations on the Pyramid
A kid's food pyramid stands alongside the standard USDA food pyramid as a way for educators, parents and caregivers to explain the food pyramid to young children. The child-friendly food pyramid shows a child running up the pyramid rather than a stick figure, and has an description of which foods are represented by which color on the pyramid. In addition, the USDA website offers coloring sheets and teacher materials to teach kids healthy eating.
References
- U.S. Department of Agriculture: Past Food Guide Pyramid Materials
- U.S. Department of Agriculture: USDA Food Guide Pyramid Resources
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2005
- U.S. Department of Agriculture: Questions & Answers
- United States Department of Agriculture: A Close Look at MyPyramid For Kids
Member Comments