April 19, 2005 -- Federal officials unveiled new dietary recommendations Tuesday, updating the widely known -- but rarely followed -- food pyramid for the first time in 13 years.
Officials say they once again hope to make the revamped pyramid, now decorated with a series of colored bands representing food groups, a fixture in schools, doctors' offices, and health clinics throughout the nation. They also hope that a new emphasis on exercise and moderate eating will finally help make a dent in America's obesity epidemic, now affecting more than one-third of adults and nearly one-fifth of teens.
The new pyramid is based on U.S. Department of Agriculture dietary recommendations released in January.dietary recommendations released in January. It still emphasizes grains, fruits, and vegetables with limited amounts of meats, oils, and fat.
Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns describes the main thrust of the retooled pyramid as "first and foremost, moderation. "Pay attention to what you're eating, moderation, and then exercise. Even a small amount of exercise will make a difference," he says. In addition to familiar cartoon representations of recommended foods, the new pyramid includes a stick-figure human climbing steps to its top, a symbol meant to emphasize physical activity, officials say.
http://www.mypyramid.gov/
The shape is the same, but how you use it has changed.
The new government food pyramid is like the old one in shape only. This time it's personal! Find out how the new pyramid concept, called "My Pyramid," and the new guidelines, can work for you.
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