( CNN ) -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture is planning to swap in a plate icon for the food pyramid this week , an individual familiar with the new guidelines told CNN Saturday . The new image , expected to be unveiled Thursday , is meant to help remind Americans to make healthy food choices . `` We presume that it will be divided into sections that will show you how much of different types of foods you should be eating , '' said Elizabeth Cohen , CNN senior medical correspondent , about the plate image . The USDA said in a statement this week that the new food icon would be `` part of a comprehensive nutrition communication initiative that provides consumers with easy-to-understand recommendations , a new website with expanded information , and other tools and resources . '' It did not say then what the new icon would be . The Food Guide Pyramid was introduced in 1992 and replaced in 2005 by MyPyramid . `` The pyramid , to put it gently , is not considered a great public health success , '' said Cohen . `` It was confusing and divided into lots of intricate sections . '' The original version is the widely recognized pyramid that shows a hierarchy of food groups . Grains , vegetables and fruits were represented at the base of the pyramid , suggesting they should be eaten often . Foods to be consumed in some moderation , like fats , dairy products and meats , were toward the top of the icon . The 2005 version had vertical , rather than horizontal , blocks representing the various food groups . It also had a figure stepping up the side of the pyramid , reminding consumers of the need to exercise . CNN 's Sabriya Rice contributed to this report .
NEW : The food pyramid has been criticized as confusing . Official announcement is expected to come on Thursday . The new icon is meant to help remind Americans to make healthy food choices . Comment: