The Food Pyramid Guide is a graphical representation of your recommended daily food intake. The guide details which foods, in varying amounts, help maintain a healthy diet.
Current Edition
The current food guide was updated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in 2005. It is in effect until 2010, when it will be revised.
Vertical Stripes
The vertical stripes denote different food groups. Orange represents grains, green represents vegetables, red represents fruits, yellow represents fats and oils, blue represents milk and dairy products, and purple represents meat, beans, fish and nuts.
Adding Exercise
The person climbing the side of the pyramid symbolizes physical activity. Adults should get 30 minutes of activity most days. Kids and teens need 60 minutes daily.
Variety Is Key
The different colors and widths of the stripes indicate that variety is the key to a healthy and nutritious diet. You should eat a wide variety of foods of different colors daily.
Be Judicious
Foods listed at the narrow top of the pyramid correspond to less-healthy choices, such as apple pie, which you should eat sparingly. The wide base corresponds to healthier food choices, such as apples, that you should make more often.
Customize your plan
Use "MyPyramid" to customize your plan. Using your age, height, weight, gender, and activity level, the MyPyramid Plan calculator will give personalized serving information that is right for you.
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