MyPlate replaces MyPyramid
The much-maligned USDA food pyramid was replaced in June
by the U.S. government’s new MyPlate, timed to coincide with the release of the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGAs).
This new national nutrition model makes a notable departure from the meat/beef protein- and dairy-heavy models of the past that were often criticized for
supporting the interests of big agriculture. Here are MyPlate’s main changes from models of
yesteryear:
- It is easy to grasp, even for
children. - Vegetables constitute the largest sector.
- Together, vegetables and fruits make up half the plate.
- You can place your choice of foods on the plate.
- You don’t have to count servings or worry about portion sizes (if the plate isn’t too big).
- Dairy foods—a discretionary group—are off to the side.
Have you had a chance to read the new DGAs or to study the MyPlate model? We would love to hear your thoughts on them and learn if you use either MyPlate or the new DGAs as a resource for clients. Send your comments to content@ideafit.com.
Sandy Todd Webster
For 22 years, Sandy Todd Webster was the chief architect of IDEA's content program - including the award-winning IDEA FITNESS JOURNAL and IDEA FOOD & NUTRITION TIPS - the industry's leading resources for fitness, wellness and nutrition professionals worldwide. She created, launched and nurtured these brands and many others during her productive and purposeful IDEA tenure. Sandy is a Rouxbe-certified professional plant-based cook and a Precision Nutrition Level 1 Coach who is pursuing a Master's degree in Sustainable Food Systems through The Culinary Institute of America (expected August 2024). She plans to combine these passions with her content expertise to continue inspiring others to make the world a more just, healthy and regenerative place.
