New
Food Pyramid Emphasizes Need for More Individual Approach, Notes
NCGA (4-21-05)
Agriculture
Secretary Mike Johanns this week unveiled MyPyramid, a new symbol
and interactive food guidance system, “Steps to a Healthier
You,” which the Bush administration hopes will promote longer,
better and healthier lives, notes the National Corn Growers Association
(NCGA).
“This
nation’s obesity problem is caused by poor dietary habits
and lack of exercise. NCGA is happy to see the USDA recognize the
need for a modernized food guidance system that not only promotes,
but engages the consumer in their decision to have a healthy and
active lifestyle,” said Sam Willett, NCGA senior director
of public policy. “This new guidance pyramid and its ‘healthy’
message is key to this nation undergoing a change in eating habits
that promotes wise nutritional choices along with exercise.”
The new food
pyramid replaces the Food Guide Pyramid, introduced in 1992. The
new makeover is part of an overall food guidance system that will
emphasize the need for a more individualized approach to improving
diet and lifestyle. “MyPyramid is about the ability of Americans
to personalize their approach when choosing a healthier lifestyle
that balances nutrition and exercise,” said Johanns.
“Corn
growers in the United States are proud of their achievements and
their role in producing the most abundant and affordable supply
of healthy food throughout the world,” Willett said. “The
U.S. lifestyle has become increasingly sedentary. By introducing
MyPyramid, the USDA has given Americans of all ages the information
and services needed to make sensible choices in diet and exercise.”
The creation
of the MyPyramid symbol is meant to encourage consumers to make
healthier food choices and to be active every day. In-depth information
is also available where consumers can make choices fitting their
own individual lifestyles. According to the USDA, the symbol represents
the recommended proportion of foods from each food group and focuses
on the importance of smart food choices.
Personalization,
gradual improvement, physical activity, variety, moderation and
proportionality are all illustrated in the new color coded symbol.
The food guidance system also utilizes interactive technology, dietary
guidelines for every day and child-friendly version of the pyramid
promoting the message about the importance of making smart eating
and physical activity choices at a young age.
More information
about the USDA’s MyPyramid is available at www.mypyramid.gov.
The 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans and consumer brochure
are available at www.healthierus.gov/dietaryguidelines.