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Since 1992, Americans' eating habits have been guided by diagrams. The first visual was the pyramid that emphasized high carbs and low fats. "Low Fat" became a new marketing category. At the same time, calorie intake increased. How big is a serving? Apparently bigger than we thought. Remember Snackwell cookies? Obesity rates rose sharply.
In 2005, the USDA added physical activity and personalized the pyramid calling it MyPyramid. Apparently we were supposed to climb it.
For those of us who never reached the top, we can thank Michele Obama for removing us from this Sisyphean task. In 2011, she introduced MyPlate which emphasized portion control. No stairs required. This cleaner simpler graphic is explained on various videos that can be personalized for people who need further instruction.
However well intended government was with geometry, citizens were busy experimenting with fad diets like Atkins, Keto, and Paleo. Now GLP-1 drugs inform us it's our appetite. The Shape we were ignoring was the shape we were in - how much we were eating!
The dietary guidelines for Americans are issued jointly by the Department of Agriculture and the Secretary of Health and Human Services. Over the years, different administrations have revised the guidance. From Michele Obama's MyPlate portion control to today's "Eat Real Food" philosphy under RFK Jr. The geometry keeps changing. The appetite doesn't.
Turn the pyramid upside down. Spin the plate. We argued the shape. We ignored the volume.
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