The U.S. Department of Agriculture introduced a new food pyramid in 2008, designed to educate Americans about healthier diets and lifestyles. Changes from the previous food pyramid include restructuring the recommended daily servings of some foods and providing more information about the individual food groups.
USDA Design
Although the basic triangle shape is still in use, that's where the similarities end. While the old design featured blocks representing food groups, the new pyramid can feature six vertical multicolored stripes, with each of the six colors representing one food group; grains, vegetables, fruits, oils, milk and meat. The new color-coding is used on other areas of the USDA website and in the department's print literature.
Portion Changes
The amount of grain and cereal products needed on a daily basis is less on the new pyramid that suggests a 6 oz. serving of grain products be eaten, half of which should be from whole grains. The former pyramid recommended 6 to 11 servings of grain products every day. The serving recommendations for the other food groups are similar, although the new food pyramid lists the portions by measurement, such as 2.5 cups of vegetables, whereas the old pyramid read 2 to 3 servings of vegetables.
Physical Activity
One of the new features on the 2008 pyramid stresses the importance of physical fitness. The old pyramid didn't mention exercise at all. The new pyramid recommends that adults should exercise at least 30 minutes --90 minutes to help prevent weight gain--every day and children should get 60 minutes of daily physical activity.
Interactive Pyramid
You can personalize a pyramid plan, study the nutritional benefits of foods from each food group and plan a menu based upon your individual needs. The new interactive food pyramid offers a tracking tool to help you monitor your diet.
Special Considerations
New moms have a section all their own for nutritional needs during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Diabetics can research foods appropriate to their diets and view a low-glycemic diet plan. In addition, a section designed for professionals in the food industry or educators offers lesson suggestions and recommendations for providing healthy foods to different segments of society.
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