The boy and I were watching the documentary Forks and Knives the other night, when a picture of one of the old food guide pyramids got us thinking. How have our recommendations changed over the past years? I looked a little more into the changes we’ve made since the Food Guides originated. Most of this information was gathered from the USDA site, Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion and the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine.
Food Guides started in 1916 by the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) in an effort to give guidance and recommendations to the U.S. population. Our first food guide consisted of 5 food groups: milk and meat, cereals, vegetables and fruits, fats and fat foods and sugars and sugary foods.
Food Guides started in 1916 by the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) in an effort to give guidance and recommendations to the U.S. population. Our first food guide consisted of 5 food groups: milk and meat, cereals, vegetables and fruits, fats and fat foods and sugars and sugary foods.
In the 1940s, the original food guide was altered to create the “Basic Seven”. These groups consisted of:
1. Green and yellow vegetables
2. Oranges, tomatoes and grapefruit
3. Potatoes, other vegetables and fruit
4. Milk and milk products
5. Meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dried peas and beans
6. Bread, flour and cereals
7. Butter and fortified margarine
This was the foundation for the nutrients needed for an adequate diet. In 1946, the daily number of servings from each group was determined. However, serving sizes were not specific.
1. Green and yellow vegetables
2. Oranges, tomatoes and grapefruit
3. Potatoes, other vegetables and fruit
4. Milk and milk products
5. Meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dried peas and beans
6. Bread, flour and cereals
7. Butter and fortified margarine
This was the foundation for the nutrients needed for an adequate diet. In 1946, the daily number of servings from each group was determined. However, serving sizes were not specific.
To make things less complex, the “Basic Seven” were condensed to the “Basic Four” in the 1950s. This Food Guide recommended specific amounts from the following 4 groups:
1. Milk and milk products
2. Meat, fish, poultry, eggs, dry beans and nuts
3. Fruits and Vegetables
4. Grains
1. Milk and milk products
2. Meat, fish, poultry, eggs, dry beans and nuts
3. Fruits and Vegetables
4. Grains
1977 brought on the creation of the Dietary Goals for the United States. Following these recommendations, the Hassle-Free Daily Food Guide was created in 1979. This grew on the “Basic Four” by creating a 5th group including fats, sweets and alcohol, recommending moderation of these. This Guide was the first time that calories and dietary fiber were discussed.
The first Dietary Guidelines for Americans was released in 1980, as a publication by the USDA and the Department of Health and Human Services. This standard has been revised every 5 years since then to determine the best course of health for the nation.
Following the release of the Dietary Guidelines, the food wheel was created in 1984 highlighting goals for adequacy of nutrients and moderation of certain foods. The 5 food groups were included and daily amounts of each were provided at 3 different calorie levels.
Following the release of the Dietary Guidelines, the food wheel was created in 1984 highlighting goals for adequacy of nutrients and moderation of certain foods. The 5 food groups were included and daily amounts of each were provided at 3 different calorie levels.
The 1992 Food Guide Pyramid developed on this foundation by focusing on moderation and variety. This pyramid also included the image of fats and sugars throughout the groups.
The 2005 Pyramid made a huge jump by including daily amounts of food for 12 calorie levels. The pyramid was simplified and the concept of physical activity was added.
We finally come to today, where in 2011 we transitioned to MyPlate to match the updates in the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. The change to the plate image was to serve as a reminder to eat healthy, but not to give specific messages. The image of the plate was also seen to be familiar when in testing, grabbing more attention of citizens.
So over almost 100 years we have made many changes to help support our nation in it’s healthy lifestyle endeavors. We sit here now with 5 food groups and are learning to balance these groups and eat in moderation:
1. Fruits
2. Grains
3. Vegetables
4. Protein
5. Dairy
How do you feel about our current MyPlate visual and the recommendations we make as a nation?
1. Fruits
2. Grains
3. Vegetables
4. Protein
5. Dairy
How do you feel about our current MyPlate visual and the recommendations we make as a nation?