Food Pyramid

History

The Food Pyramid was introduced to Americans in 1992 by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. A chronological outline leading to its development is as follows:

• 1894: USDA defines first dietary recommendations for Americans and Composition of Foods.

• 1916: Division of foods into groups began. The first food guide published, called Food for Young Children, by Caroline Hunt who was a nutritionist and author at that time. The 5 groups were milk/meat, cereals, vegetables/fruits, fat/fatty foods, and sugar/sugary foods.

• 1941: Recommended Daily Allowances (RDA) created by the work of the first National Nutrition Conference called by President Franklin Roosevelt. The RDA guidelines defined appropriate calorie intake and essential nutrients amounts.

• 1943: USDA announced “Basic Seven” that was a modified version of the earlier nutritional recommendations. This updated version was created as a way to take into account the food supply shortages during the war period. However, since the “Basic Seven” outline was complex, it was modified into the “Basic Four” and was used for the next 20 years. Its groups were milk, meats, fruits and vegetables, and grains.

• Late 1970’s: USDA adds fifth category to the guidelines called fat, sweets and alcohol beverages in response to the increased incidence of stroke, heart disease, and other diseases noted among the American population.

• 1980’s: USDA continues to publish an annual report entitled A Pattern for Daily Food Choices. However, there was little awareness by the population that this guidebook existed.

• 1988: USDA begins its creation of a graphic representation of the nutritional guidelines to more effectively display food groups and enhance public awareness.

• 1992: Food Guide Pyramid released.

• 1994: Every packaged food item in supermarkets has nutritional label with food pyramid graphic.

The Nuts and Bolts of the 1992 Food Guide Pyramid

The 1992 version of the Food Guide Pyramid has been used as an educational tool for young and old. It is recommended for the general population over two years of age. The nutritional advice contained within the pyramid is basic information toward a healthful eating pattern. The following points remain central to its theme:

• Five Food Groups

1. Bread, Cereal, Rice, and Pasta Group
2. Fruit Group
3. Vegetable Group
4. Meat, Poultry, Fish, Dry Beans, Eggs, and Nuts Group
5. Milk, Yogurt, and Cheese Group

• Fats, Oils and Sweets – Use sparingly

• Variety – Eat different foods from the all the food groups within the pyramid to supply the variety of nutrients your body needs.

• Balance – Eat appropriate amounts from each group each day. This means not only being mindful of consuming too much of one food or group, but eating an adequate amount from each as well.

• Moderation – Choose foods and beverages to meet your energy needs. A moderate diet helps maintain a healthy weight by supplying the calories right for you, but not more calories that can lead to weight gain.

Criticism

It may be clear to see why the pyramid has come under much scrutiny and question since its inception. For one, it does not clearly define the types of oils and carbohydrates that are best to be consumed for good health. There is no indication about the recommendation for physical activity (although that is emphasized in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans). And, the pyramid simply uses the term “serving” as a guide to portions.

The 2005 Food Guide Pyramid

For the first time since 1994, the food guide pyramid has taken on a new look in hopes to address the criticism it has received over the years. The changes include:

• Vertical colored stripes to represent the food groups instead of the traditional horizontal blocks.
• Increased emphasis on physical activity
• Food amounts are now measured in cups and ounces instead of “servings”
• 8 Divisions: Grains, Vegetables, Fruits, Oils, Milk, Meat and Beans
• Clearer definition of oils and carbohydrates to address the healthful vs. the less healthful selections
• Encouragement toward selecting leaner sources of protein
• Dairy not essential to balanced diet with proper food alternatives

Within its triangular shape, the pyramid denotes important changes. First, the importance of physical activity is clearly depicted by the person climbing the stairs up the left hand side of the pyramid. There was no symbol for the recommendation to be active in the original version. The message related to variety is visually depicted now by the use of a variety of color. In addition, no longer do we see the horizontal stacked format, but rather colored, vertical stripes representing each food group. The wider stripes are the food groups we should be eating from the most. The tip of the pyramid is a non-colored space to show fats, sweets, and alcohol beverages as unnecessary the overall food intake of any persons. However, if chosen, these items should be consumed in small amounts only.

Specific Pyramids

There are 12 pyramids presently in place to meet the nutritional needs of most Americans. Since the USDA has been continuously criticized for not offering various pyramid recommendations to account for various needs in the population, they have developed MyPyramid. This is an interactive website to help with a more personal approach to dietary suggestions. In addition, there are ethnic and age-specific food pyramids available.