MyPyramid, released by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) on April 19, 2005, is an update on the ubiquitous U.S. food guide pyramid. The new icon stresses activity and moderation along with a proper mix of food groups in one's diet. As part of the MyPyramid food guidance system, consumers are asked to visit the MyPyramid website for personalized nutrition information. Significant changes from the previous food pyramid include:It measures quantities in cups and ounces instead of "servings".It includes a new symbol - a person on the stairs, representing physical activity.MyPyramid was designed to educate consumers about a lifestyle consistent with the latest Dietary Guidelines for Americans, an 80-page document released in January 2005. The guidelines, produced jointly by the USDA and Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), represent the Federal nutrition policy.

The FDA's food pyramid has helped people from all walks of life decide what to eat every day. Now, however, there is a new walk of life, or I should say unlife, that will benefit from the pyramid.

Of course, the picture is more complicated than that. While still more susceptible to heart disease and diabetes, people of the portly persuasion were at lower risk for things like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and lung cancer. Maybe it's time to reconsider that two Big-Mac-a-day diet instead of the tried and true food pyramid?

A recent study published last week has proved that vegetarian Ornish Diet Plan tops for reducing the risk for heart disease. Surprisingly, some of the most popular diets like Weight Watchers, New Glucose Revolution, South Beach, Zone, The Atkins and the government's Food Pyramid did not score as well as the Ornish diet did.

The USDA's new food pyramid apparently encourages cannibalism. Who knew human flesh could be so nutritious? "Long Pig" could soon show up on your favorite menu, if the USDA has its way.

The USDA and public health advocates recognize that Americans are eating too much fat and sugar, and too few fruits and vegetables. The Food Guide Pyramid recommends eating several times more servings of fruits & vegetables than meat, yet the government pours much more funding into farming livestock than growing fresh produce.