Let’s face it, as a useful guide, the MyPyramid food guidance system was a little iffy. Finally, the food gurus at the USDA launched something we can sink our teeth into — and wrap our heads around.

In the 1940s, the USDA offered a food wheel to guide you to good eating. On it were displayed the seven basic food groups and the recommended daily number of servings per group. However, actual serving sizes were missing and some folks found it a bit difficult to decipher. So the guide was revamped in the 1950s. This one was infinitely simpler, resembling a diner placemat. Its main message was “Food for Fitness” and it offered up four food groups and the specific amounts you should have of each daily for optimal benefit.

Then in 1979, they updated the guide again — this time going from a horizontal landscape to a vertical one. This one, although it doesn’t appear as though the previous one was particularly annoying, was referred to as the “Hassle-Free Daily Food Guide.” It was centered on the basic four food groups as before, but it added a new one that told you how to approach alcohol, fats and sweets — in moderation.

As things do, the wheel became fashionable again over at the USDA in 1984 with the introduction of a new Food Wheel that dictated “A Pattern for Daily Food Choices.” This one was much more complex (hey, if those folks in the 1940s saw this … ) but it was chock full of good info including recommended daily amounts covering three calorie levels.

Things went vertical again with the launch of the food pyramid in 1992.  Overall, personally, I didn’t hate this one. It had the same well-rounded information as the wheel, but its presentation came across easier to digest.  But then, in 2005, they attempted to make it even easier; the graphic consisted solely of a stick figure climbing some stairs with a triangle of colors at the edge. But you couldn’t decipher the message from just the icon. Of course, you could find the very detailed info (this time it covered recommended daily amounts for 12 calorie levels) at its companion Web site.

Image courtesy USDA

Today, we’re back to a simple, placemat-esque icon that pretty much says it all right there. And if you do need additional info, you can surf the Web site listed. When you get there, the straight talk continues with these basic tips:

• On balancing calories, you should: Enjoy what you’re eating, but go for smaller servings/eat less of it and steer clear of oversized portions, which are prevalent in so many restaurants today.

• In regard to what foods you should eat more of: Half of your plate should contain fruits and vegetables, half of your grains serving should be whole grains, and switch to fat-free or low-fat (1 percent) milk.

• And in regard to what foods to eat less often: Be mindful of sodium, comparison shop and go for foods with the lowest sodium content and drink water instead of sugary drinks.

What do you think of the new MyPlate icon? Do you think it will help folks figure out how to make healthier food choices?

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