In 2005 the MyPyramid program was released, with even more detail, and had an added exercise component. The visual has changed, and there is an interactive website component, but the message is essentially the same. You need to eat more vegetables and grains, less fat and sugar. You should do this by consuming a variety of foods with good nutritional impact, while paying attention to quantity.

The MyPyramid website offers everyone a personal dietary plan. By simply inputting age, sex, weight, height, and level of physical activity, the site generates a complete listing of daily servings based on the number of calories each individual needs to maintain a healthy weight. Also available are meal-tracking worksheets, printable menus, and personal meal and activity assessments.

The downside of the MyPyramid plan is its need to appeal to the masses. Many foods, like milkshakes, refined grains, sugar, and oil are allowed, even though it is clear that these foods do not benefit overall health.

Their inclusion does not adequately emphasize the need to replace refined foods with healthier options. People view words like aim for and limit as a green light to add junk food into their pyramid plan.