The Food Pyramid used to be the standard nutrition guide introduced by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Divided into six horizontal sections containing images of foods from each section’s food group, it was updated in 2005 with colored vertical wedges that replaced the horizontal sections and renamed MyPyramid. MyPyramid was an abstract design and was often shown with the food images absent.
Fast forward to June 2, 2011 when the USDA replaced their MyPryamid with MyPlate, the new, improved—not to mention circular—representation of how they think the general public should eat.
In contrast to the pyramid’s six vertical stripes representing the five food groups plus oils, the plate features four sections (vegetables, fruits, grains, and protein) plus a side order of dairy in blue.
The portion of vegetables and grains are substantial compared to the suggested portions of fruits and proteins. Clearly stated are the following recommendations:
- 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.
It’s great that the USDA puts so much effort into nutrition standards and guiding everyone to a healthier life. But look around – do you think anyone is listening? There is too much visual evidence that Americans are still not listening to the mantras about healthy foods.
We have to do more to educate the public about health and nutrition so people can live more fulfilling lives. How much fun is it when you are tired all the time, feel like crap and can hardly walk around the block. Don’t live your life stuck in a body you that confines you.
Beachbody’s solution to helping people live healthier lives focuses on exercise, nutrition, and creating healthy habits for everyone.