MyPlate Keeps It Simple

I clearly remember, way back in 1992, when the original food guide pyramid made its debut. I had just gone back to college to earn my nutrition degree and RD. I went to school at night, worked in corporate America by day. 

The building cafeteria placed pyramid table tents all around, and my co-workers asked what I thought of the new symbol. Taking only pre-requisite classes at that time, I, of course, had no training whatsoever in nutrition – but I did have an opinion.

I thought that it was an interesting way to bring the topic of nutrition to the public, but I wasn’t certain how helpful it would be – it seemed a little complicated. And that proved to be the case. Americans just couldn’t seem to translate the pyramid info into real-life servings and balanced meals – even after it underwent a revision. In fact, once I became an RD and began to teach the FGP, I found it challenging for people to apply.

Fast forward almost 20 years (yikes!) and we’re giving it another go, this time with a simpler approach. Since the introduction of that original pyramid, Americans have gotten heavier, more out of shape, nutrition related diseases are on the rise, and most people would welcome a useful tool to help them adopt healthier eating habits. Is MyPlate that tool? Time will tell.

But I love that it’s simple. Nutrition doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does have to be realistic. A plate is realistic and familiar, a pyramid is a destination, and for many, an unattainable one at that; not helpful in changing unhealthy habits!

So we may be onto something; stay tuned. Here’s an overview of the plate and the actionable guidelines that go along with it: