MyPyramid Basic
Dr. Eric Hentges

Dr. Eric Hentges answers questions about MyPyramid, the new Food Guidance System that replaces the Food Guide Pyramid used since 1992. Dr. Hentges, the director of the Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion, oversees nutrition for the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Why did the Pyramid change?
The original Pyramid, published in 1992, had high public recognition. Unfortunately it was not very effective in promoting healthy eating. Only a small percentage of the public actually consumed a diet following its recommendations. Several things drove the revision. First, the science, which included the new DRI's (Dietary Reference Intakes), changed. In addition, the new Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which by law are revised every five years, also changed. Second, we wanted more people to use it.

How different is MyPyramid from the previous Pyramid?
The original Pyramid was seen as a one-size-fits-all. With the new MyPyramid, there's an emphasis on individualizing its recommendations and a greater emphasis on physical activity. Even the name, MyPyramid, communicates personalization. The tagline, "Steps to a Healthier You," is part of the goal to get people to use it. It just takes small steps to work towards your goal of changing your diet and physical activity. Before, I think people would look at the old Pyramid and say, "I can't make all of those changes." But, now the message is, you can, if you start slowly.

Can you explain the MyPyramid symbol?
It was purposely simplified to be more motivational and carry a few basic messages.

• The color bands show that you need to eat from all of the food groups. The bands are different widths because you need to eat proportionally from the different food groups.
• You also need physical activity, represented by a figure walking up stairs. The stairs reinforce the tagline, "Steps to a Healthier You."
• The bands are wide at the bottom and narrow at the top, showing that the most nutrient dense choices in each group should be the basis of your diet. You only have so many calories to maintain your weight, so you've got to use those calories to get all of your nutrient requirements. In general, we're a sedentary society. We don't need more calories; we just need to get the most nutrition for the calories we are allotted. With the milk group, for example, non-fat or 1 percent milk is more nutrient dense than whole milk or higher fat products, such as cheese. Yet, they can all fit into a healthy diet.

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