exploring the food guide pyramid

Revised by the USDA and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in 2005, the new Food Guide Pyramid illustrates for consumers the recommended dietary guidelines for adults and children. These guidelines are intended to inform consumers about the importance of a proper, balanced diet and exercise, and how the two combined can promote better health and potentially reduce the risk of developing obesity related illnesses like heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes--conditions that are directly related to poor nutrition.

Changes to this "new" pyramid include colored bands that are associated to one of six specific food groups: grains, vegetables, fruits, dairy, nuts & oils, and protein (fish, poultry, meat, and beans). The relative width of each colored band illustrates how much of that food group should be consumed in a day--the wider the band, the more you're allowed to eat.

The "new" pyramid is also organized to better emphasize how choices should be made. At the wide base of the pyramid you'll find healthier foods like grains and vegetables--foods with comparatively less fat and sugar--which should be eaten more frequently throughout the day, while higher fat foods like oils and nuts are closer to the narrower top, indicating that they should be eaten sparingly throughout the day.

The MyPyramid.gov Web site provides detailed information on how you can benefit from incorporating the food guide pyramid into your daily life.

Check out MyPyramid for Preschoolers here!