The United States Department of Agriculture revealed a new graphic representing the department’s suggestions on healthy eating. The replaced image originated in 1992, labeled the food pyramid. The new graphic shows a plate separated into five sections: fruits, grains, vegetables, protein and dairy. The vegetables and grains portions are larger than the fruits, protein and dairy portion, but the USDA states you should not take the portion sizes literally. So why the need for a new graphic?
The New USDA Plate
The USDA admitted that the food pyramid was a confusing mess of food suggestions. On the unlabeled “stripe pyramid graphic” released in 2005, there were no indications of which foods to eat and which to avoid. In addition, the food pyramid was repeatedly adjusted because of various lobbying efforts from different food industries. The new plate illustration seeks to help the public, especially school-aged children, in choosing the best foods.
The point of updating the graphic, and the way the American public views food, is straight from the Obama administration. They have a clear goal in trying to reduce rates of childhood obesity in the United States. The plate emphasizes the point that every meal should include more vegetables and grains than meats and fruits. It also includes a small amount of dairy.
Enjoy Your Food but Eat Less
The plate is a graphic produced with the hope of enticing the American people into researching healthy ways of eating. On the website, Choosemyplate.gov, the government is suggesting the public should “enjoy your food, but eat less.” They suggest making at least half of all grains, whole grains. They also suggest low-fat milk and water instead of sugary drinks and paying attention to sodium intake. Government officials state that the plate does not suggest actual portions. Different portions are suitable for different age groups, genders. In addition, the individual may have health concerns that come into play when choosing food groups.
Too Much Detail or Too Little?
Those adverse to the change in the graphic are suggesting that the food pyramid offered more substance than the new graphic. They state that “the plate” does not mention all food groups, nor does it suggest correct portions. The government insists that the plate image is only there to increase interest. When visiting the website, it is clear that much more information is available along with the new plate. They have several categories of suggestions for different stages of life, and various food groups.
Popular designers are weighing in on the new plate graphic. Some say it is too simple. Others claim the simplicity is exactly what the USDA needed. Most people should accept that basing a diet around a single picture would be a mistake. Instead, researching the value of food for the body, and the adverse effects it may have would be the optimal choice.
In putting together the new plate graphic, the USDA has also thoroughly revamped its website. The new website is easy to navigate, offers suggestions for every food group and is an excellent example of using the Internet to help educate the populace. The citizens of America have an exciting new resource in helping curb the problems of obesity and dietary diseases.
Jessica Bosari writes for Nutritionist-World.com, a site dedicated to helping students locate nutritionist training and culinary arts schools.
