Food Pyramid Evolution

Here the evolution of the food pyramid.

The food pyramid that we are all so familiar with has undergone many changes over the past century. The evolution of the food groups turning into the pyramids shows how our knowledge of the foods we rely on has changed. As our understanding of the science of nutrition grew richer over the years, officials have tweaked the food groups to fit every type of diet and lifestyle.

The original healthy eating recommendations came from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) in 1916, which suggested five food groups — meat/milk, fruits/vegetables, cereals, fats, and sugars. In the 1940’s President Franklin Roosevelt commissioned the USDA to create an updated list of Reccomended Dietary Allowance (RDA). This modification extended the five food groups to an essential seven and also included caloric intake and needed nutrients. This was deemed too confusing and was changed to the basic four — meats, milk, fruits and vegetables. The basic four remained unchanged for more than 20 years until a rise in heart disease prompted the U.S. government to modify the food groups once more.