New pyramid, old ways.

Erected in controversy and released to criticism, MyPyramid--the new "food guidance system" pyramid released by the USDA in April--is a reality. Love it or hate it, some help in understanding it is available from Oldways Preservation and Exchange Trust. Oldways' QuickBrief, called "MyPyramid,

* Change Is Good: Let's face it, the old pyramid system just didn't work. We can all agree on that. So, a brand new approach is really a public health imperative. MyPyramid retains the familiar triangular shape, promoting quick recognition and easing the uncertainty that changes always bring.

* Getting with the Times: In a major leap forward, MyPyramid comes in two flavors, internet and print. Since reaching kids early about diet is a key to lifelong good health, and since kids are largely computer literate, this can be a momentous marriage. Even better, the graphical interface was prepared with the help of professionals in food marketing, increasing the odds for MyPyramid's long-term success.

* Deserting "Servings": After 35 years consumers are still bewitched, bothered and bewildered by "servings" and "serving sizes." MyPyramid takes the common sense approach and uses familiar everyday measures like ounces and cups.

* More and Less: MyPyramid's "rays" clearly indicate the food groups to emphasize and the food groups to minimize: eat more from the wider rays, and less from the narrower rays. It also avoids the past's ineffective admonitions to "eat/drink more of this, eat/drink less of that," placing the focus instead where it belongs on a balance among the food groups, and an equilibrium among calories in and calories out.