SUMMERY

MyPyramid : U .S 's Revised Food Pyramid

The Agriculture Department has come out with a new customized interactive food guidance system ' called MyPyramid . The previous food pyramid , which has been revised to include changes in nutritional sciences and to promote a balance between nutrition and exercise , now faces the challenge of effective promotion so more Americans can successfully follow the new recommendations

According to Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns , MyPyramid still recommends which type of foods people should consume most (fruits and vegetables ) or least (fats , oils , and sugars . It however deviates

from the 1992 pyramid in that it promotes not only improved diet but also regular exercise . The new pyramid also comes in 12 different versions customized for people with different activity levels and calorie needs

One thing that was changed from the early draft of the new pyramid is any `eat-less ' suggestions . According to New York University nutrition professor Dr . Marion Nestle , the suggestions must have been removed since the new pyramid is all about moderation . It leaves the responsibility of balancing food intake to the people . Harvard 's department of nutrition chairman Dr . Walter Willet shares the same sentiment . He further comments that with this , the only advancement of MyPyramid from the old pyramid is the inclusion of physical activity

Aiming to condense the Dietary Guidelines , which run for 70 pages , the pyramid will highly be useful if properly promoted . The Agriculture Department , however , is short in promotion budget . Given that dissemination of information regarding MyPyramid now lies...