Differences Between Food Pyramid and MyPlate Tool and Why the Switch was Made

Fitness Nutrition Case 6
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Fitness Nutrition Case 6
The Food Pyramid graphic representation of healthy eating and its heir MyPyramid has been increasingly replaced in recent years by the quartered plate MyPlate, a visual representation of the five segments: vegetables, fruits, grains, protein, and dairy. As opposed to the complex Food Pyramid, the Plate icon divided into four unequal portions is more straightforward, and it is easier to remember what it conveys. However, many Americans are relatively unfamiliar with the easy-to-follow dietary MyPlate tool. This essay will outline the differences between the two graphic representations and explain why the switch was made. The first difference between the Food Pyramid and the current MyPlate tool is that the former stressed the consumption of grains by situating it in the most prominent spot at the bottom of the pyramid. At the same time, the latter allocates one quadrant for grains.
The Plate version emphasizes whole grains but gives even greater attention to eating fruits and vegetables, which take up more space on the plate than any other food group. Many nutrients view this shift in focus from grains to fruits and vegetables as a critical improvement. A majority of Americans tend to ignore the minimum requirements for greens (Skerrett, 2011). Another difference between the two graphical representations is the lack of mention of fats and oils in the MyPlate tool. The Food Pyramid recommended the consumption of fats and oils in small quantities: although most Americans tend to consume the wrong kinds of fats, dietary fat is critica...