April 19, 2005 -- New Food Pyramid Encourages Better Food Choices, Physical Activity

The U.S. Department of Agriculture today unveiled a new nutrition guidance system that replaces the Food Guide Pyramid introduced in 1992. Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns said the new symbol, “MyPyramid,” represents the recommended proportion of foods from each group and focuses on the importance of “making smart food choices in every food group, every day.” Johanns noted that the new symbol has been kept deliberately simple in order to encourage consumers to monitor their own diets, and he pointed out that individuals should now consider their levels of physical activity in determining which foods they eat and in what amounts. To work out a personalized dietary recommendation, adults can go to website www.MyPyramid.gov. Johanns said a “child-friendly” version for teachers and children is being developed, aimed at children 6 to 11 years old “with targeted messages about the importance of smart eating and physical activity choices.” The new pyramid is based on the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which are available at www.healthierus.gov/dietaryguidelines.