The U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Guide Pyramid, also known as MyPyramid, teaches people how to eat a balanced diet that supports optimal health, energy and weight. MyPyramid features six different food groups and offers an explanation as to ideal serving sizes and numbers according to age and gender. Following the Food Guide Pyramid offers children and adults alike many benefits.
Healthy Choices
The Food Guide Pyramid shows you the types of foods that should comprise the majority of your diet. The stripes on the pyramid represent grains, vegetables, fruits, dairy, proteins and oils. Foods that do not fit clearly into one of the categories are most likely not very nutritious and should not feature prominently in your diet.
Beneficial Macronutrient Ratios
The Food Guide Pyramid features different colored stripes representing specific food groups. The stripes are of various widths to remind you of the proper amounts of each food type you should consume daily. If you eat foods in the ratios encouraged by the Food Guide Pyramid, you will take in a balance of macronutrients as recommended by the Institute of Medicine that optimizes your health and daily functioning.
No Calorie Counting
The Food Guide Pyramid recommends focusing on servings of foods, rather than counting calories. If you choose the lower end of the recommended serving ranges, it may help you lose weight, says registered dietitian Joanne Larsen on Ask the Dietitian.
Proper Nutrition
The Food Guide Pyramid takes the guesswork out of proper nutrition. Following the daily and weekly servings recommended by the Pyramid helps you obtain all the nutrients you need without having to constantly read food labels.
Discourages Unhealthy Foods
The Food Guide Pyramid does not encourage consumption of foods high in sugar or saturated and trans fats. These foods are considered discretionary calories that are "extras" and not necessary for proper nutrition. The USDA points out on MyPyramid.gov that most people can only afford 100 to 300 discretionary calories daily.
Encourages Physical Activity
The Food Guide Pyramid also features an image of a person walking up a set of stairs on the side of the pyramid. Following the Food Guide Pyramid means you also take the recommendation to participate in moderate or vigorous physical activity for a minimum of 30 minutes per day.
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